Annex 1 - IEE Draft

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM
ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA
October|2013
Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

Ceylon Electricity Board
PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA
Executive Summary
Background
This power transmission project was proposed under the Long-term Transmission Development Plan of CEB,
and funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). The total cost of the project is estimated as US$ 34.52Mn.
Since the said project falls under categorization of prescribed projects as per the National Environment Act,
Environmental Approval for said project has been requested by CEB from Central Environmental Authority
(CEA). After the site visit of the proposed transmission line route by the Environmental Scoping Committee,
the Terms of Reference (TOR) has been issued by CEA for the preparation of Initial Environmental
Examination Report (IEER) for the project. This IEER has been prepared as per the said TOR.
Initial Environmental Examination
This IEER covers the construction and operation of above project, scheduled for implementation from year
2010. The Project consists of
Construction of 59km long New Anuradhapura - Vavuniya 132kV Transmission line with 220kV
design
Construction of 70km Vavuniya - Mannar 132kV Transmission line with 220kV design
Construction of 220/132 kV/ 33 kV Mannar GSS (1 x 31.5 MVA)
Augmentation of Vavuniya GSS
Justification of the Project

The National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka has a target of achieving 10% of the total power requirement from
NCRE (Non-Conventional Renewable Energy), by the year 2015, which is endorsed by the Mahinda
Chinthana as well. As per the studies conducted on above, a high potential of wind power has been
identified in Mannar Area. Currently, CEB is planning for the development of wind power plants in Mannar.
Mannar area is currently connected to the National grid only through a very long 33kV transmission line
from Medawachchiya. As a result, the quality and reliability of the Power supply received in Mannar and
surroundings is low. In order to transmit power generated at wind power plant of 100MW or above, the
extension of the National Grid to Mannar area is essential. Construction of a 220/132/33kV Grid Substation
at a 220 kV transmission line connecting Mannar and Vavuniya is required to transmit power generated at
100MW Wind Power Plant. Also, construction of the said line would certainly improve the voltage profile of
33 kV distribution systems to provide reliable and quality power supply to consumers in Mannar,
Thalaimannar and Silawathurai areas
Existing 132kV transmission line between Vavuniya and Anuradhapura was established in year 1971 and
has been operated for 40 years. As per the Transmission Planning Studies of CEB, it has been identified this
transmission connection as bottleneck to transfer power to the Northern area and to absorb wind power
generated at Mannar area. Since there are no alternative ways of supplying electricity demand in Northern
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Province, construction of a new 220kV transmission line between New Anuradhapura-Vavuniya Grid
Substations is considered as a high priority.
In mid 2009, Sri Lanka saw end of its three decade long civil conflict and now government focuses on postconflict infrastructure development to remove disparities in economic and social status of the poorer
Eastern and Northern provinces. Asian Development Banks (ADB) offers the financial assistance to develop
power sector infrastructure for the provision of reliable, adequate, and affordable power supply for
sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Sri Lanka.
Objectives of the IEE Report
Under the National Environment Act, construction of transmission lines above 50kV and longer than 10km,
coming under the prescribed project category. Project Approving Agency, Central Environmental Authority
(CEA) has issued Terms of Reference (TOR) for carry out an Initial Environment Examination (IEE) before
granting the environmental approval.
This report intends to evaluate environmental and socio-economic impacts from the proposed project
development and suggest adequate mitigatory measures, including an Environmental Management and
Monitoring plan.
Extent and Scope of the Study
The scope of the study is to prepare IEER after relevant field surveys & studies, reviewing of secondary
information, and consultation with stakeholders, particularly local communities living along the
transmission line.
IEE process intends to identify the baseline data on the existing environment of the study area, and the
potential environmental and social impacts of the project, and will propose possible interventions to avoid
and mitigate the negative impacts (if any), during short, medium and long term. The IEE report will
facilitate the Project Implementing Agency (PIA), CEB to get the environmental clearance to implement the
project and provide guidance for the selected contractor to carry out construction activities in an
environmentally and socially sound manner.
Brief outline of the methodologies adopted in IEE Preparation
Study team resort to review secondary information from publication of Government and other research
groups in the preliminary stage. Baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social
environment were established using the said data supplemented and verified with the preliminary data
obtained by field surveys carried out in the Project affected area.
Existing Environment
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Since both the transmission lines involved in the project includes almost similar technical features as well as
environmental & social impacts and mitigation measures, both lines are considered simultaneously for the
rest of the executive summary.
The Project is located within two provinces, namely North Central Province and Northern Province. There are
seven protected areas belonging to Departments of Forest and Wildlife (including Wilpattu National Park
and Mavillu Forest Reserve), located between the three terminal points (Mannar, Vavunia and
Anuradhapura) of the project. Malwathu Oya is the prominent River basin of the area. There are a large
number of irrigation tanks (including both functioning and abandoned tanks) and canals in the area.
Anuradhapura- Mannar railway line and A9, A14 (Medawachchiya to Mannar), A30 (Vavunia to Mannar)
main roads are the prominent transport infrastructure in the area.
The land use in the project area consists mainly of paddy fields, forests, shrub and home gardens. Despite
the heavy presence of protected areas in the vicinity, the line route has been selected avoiding all the
protected areas/forest reserves except very short lengths through Maha Irampalkulam forest reserve
(0.6km) and Mihintale forest reserve (3.3 km). The total length traversed by the line through Maha
Irampalkulam forest reserve consist of home gardens only, while the length traversed through Mihintale
forest reserve is only Teak plantations.
The line route has also been selected minimizing crossing of the irrigation tanks. According to the said
selection of line route, it traverses mainly through paddy fields (36.35% of total length), shrublands (25.3%)
and while relatively shorter lengths through Chennas (7.84%), home gardens (9.53%) and protected and
other forest lands (14.18%).
Anticipated Environmental Impacts
In order to avoid the impacts to the protected areas (3 forest reserves), areas rich in biodiversity and
populated areas, the line route has been selected mainly through paddy fields (36.35%). Also, the line route
has been selected through shrub lands for 25.3% and chenas for 7.84% of its total length, where the both
biodiversity and population density is again relatively less. However, line route traverses 14.18% of the
length through forests and 9.53% through homegardens. Short balance length (6.8% of total length) is
located through rock outcrops and irrigation.
Generally, the environmental impacts from the transmission lines are minimal compared to many
development projects of similar scale. The main impacts anticipated from this project are removal/pruning
of trees along the transmission line corridor of35m width (especially in the forest areas, Teak plantations
and home gardens). Since almost the whole line length falls on flat terrain, impacts associated with slope
stability and possibility of landslides is not anticipated.
Obstruction to the natural waterways and disturbance to the natural ecosystems caused by location of
foundations and access roads in wetlands is a potential impact. Due to the involvement of earth works
(filling of the land) in the new Mannar GSS site, erosion of suburban lands and sedimentation of the paddy
fields may be a possibility. Erosion due to tower foundations located closer to rivers and irrigation
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tanks/canals may be a possibility to a lesser magnitude, since maximum efforts are taken to avoid location
of towers closer to rivers and water bodies.
Main social impact is the disturbance caused by location of tower footings within home gardens, and the
disturbance and constraints caused by the conductors spanning over houses and/or home gardens.
Temporary disruption of farming activities and disturbance of crops (especially in the paddy fields) during
foundation work is another potential impact.
Proposed mitigation Measures
As explained above, most of the environment and social impacts mentioned above have been avoided or
minimized by selection of the line route with environmental perspective. A prominent environmental impact
remaining is removing of the trees along the Right-of-Way (RoW) of 35m width for safety requirement,
especially along the forest areas and plantations. Maximum efforts will be taken to avoid cutting/removing
trees in the areas rich in biodiversity, if such trees are located below the safety clearance required from the
conductors, considering the maximum heights such trees will grow.
For the loss of plantations/home garden trees, the amount for compensation for plantations as per the
assessment of the relevant DS/GS will be paid directly to the land owners. For the removal of trees in the
Mihinthale forest reserve (teak plantation), CEB will pay the relevant compensation for the Forest
Department to enrich the teak plantation for an equal acreage within degraded areas of the same reserve.
Where the line traverse through cultivations such as paddy, damages to the harvesting will be minimized by
adjusting the timing of construction activities, and any damages and/or disturbance to the cultivation would
be compensated as per the valuations of relevant DS/appropriate authority. Adequate safety clearances
required for the movement of agricultural equipment/machines (including harvesting machines) will be
provided during the design and installation of the towers and conductors.
When line route traverse along paddy fields, maximum effort will be taken to avoid construction of new
access roads. In case new access roads were absolutely necessary, they would be maximum 3-4m wide and
completely removed after the completion of project work. A storm water discharge system with adequate
capacity for the new Mannar GSS site will be installed, which will be properly discharged up to a natural
water way. During the earth works of GSS site, various mitigation measures listed in the main report
required to minimize dust, noise and erosion/sedimentation will be strictly adhered.
Monitoring Plan
The recommendations of the IEE Report are made available to the Project Manager (CEB) of the Project. The
Monitoring Plan will be implemented by the Project Manager and his staff with the coordination of the
Environment Unit of CEB, and the selected contractor/s would be made responsible for implementing
appropriate mitigation measures mentioned in the IEER. The Monitoring Plan outlines a systematic,
continuous and technical way of monitoring the environmental impacts. It also includes a description of the
mitigation measures, monitoring parameters, frequency, responsible institutions and key persons and
facilities available with such agencies. The proposed Monitoring Plan is shown in chapter 7.
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Content
1.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 7
1.1.
OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ........................................................... 7
1.2.
OBJECTIVES OF THE IEE REPORT .......................................................................................... 8
1.3.
EXTENT AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 8
1.4.
BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE METHODOLOGIES ADOPTED IN IEE PREPARATION ................. 8
1.5.
GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING THE RELATED SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT ............ 9
1.6.
COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING PLANS OF THE RELEVANT SECTOR .................................. 9
1.7.
APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS COVERING THE PROPOSED
PROJECT................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.8.
APPROVALS/ CLEARANCES/ PERMITS OBTAINED OR SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM RELEVANT STATE
AGENCIES/ LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND ANY CONDITIONS LAID DOWN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
PROPOSED PROJECT BY STATE AGENCIES. ..................................................................................... 10
2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ........... 11
2.1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...................................................................... 11
2.2.
METHODOLOGY OF CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................ 15
2.3.
WORK FORCE ........................................................................................................................ 17
2.4.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE............................................................................................... 18
2.5.
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................ 19
3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................... 23
3.1.
CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY ........................................................................................... 23
3.2.
TOPOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................ 24
3.3.
GEOLOGY & SOIL .................................................................................................................. 25
3.4.
ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................... 26
3.5.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................... 30
3.6.
ARCHAEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................... 45
4.
4.1.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS............................................................................................ 46
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ................................................................................... 46
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4.2.
NOISE/ACOUSTIC IMPACTS ................................................................................................. 46
4.3.
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 47
4.4.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS............................................................................................... 49
4.5.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................... 55
4.6.
VISUAL IMPACTS................................................................................................................... 55
4.7.
SAFETY AND SECURITY........................................................................................................ 55
5.
MITIGATORY ACTIONS .................................................................................................... 58
6.
CONTINGENCY PLAN ....................................................................................................... 62
7.
MONITORING PROGRAMME .......................................................................................... 63
8.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDAITONS .................................................................... 70
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Objectives and justification of the project
The National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka has a target of achieving 10% of the total power
requirement from NCRE (Non-Conventional Renewable Energy), by the year 2015, which is
endorsed by the Mahinda Chinthana as well. Hence, development of renewable energy receives a
high priority, and wind power is among the few technically feasible options of NCRE in Sri Lanka.
Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) has conducted a preliminary wind resource assessment for the
northern region, which has identified a high potential of wind power in Mannar Area. At present,
CEB is planning for the development of wind power plants in Mannar.
However, at present, no high voltage transmission facilities are available in Mannar area, as it is
connected to the National grid only through a very long 33kV transmission line from
Medawachchiya. As a result, the quality and reliability of the Power supply received in Mannar and
surroundings is low. In order to transmit power generated at wind power plant of 100MW or
above, the extension of the National Grid to Mannar area is essential. Construction of a
220/132/33kV Grid Substation at a 220 kV transmission line connecting Mannar and Vavuniya is
required to transmit power generated at 100MW Wind Power Plant. Also, construction of the said
line would certainly improve the voltage profile of 33 kV distribution systems to provide reliable
and quality power supply to consumers in Mannar, Thalaimannar and Selawathurai areas
In mid 2009, Sri Lanka saw end of its three decade long civil conflict and now government focuses
on post-conflict infrastructure development to remove disparities in economic and social status of
the poorer Eastern and Northern provinces. Asian Development Banks (ADB) offers the financial
assistance to develop power sector infrastructure for the provision of reliable, adequate, and
affordable power supply for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Sri Lanka.
Existing 132kV transmission line between Vavuniya and Anuradhapura was established in year 1971
and has been operated for 40 years.CEBs transmission planning wing has identified a list of
projects, based on the Long term Transmission Development Plan 2011-2020, which are critical for
the overall development of the power system. In the Transmission Planning Studies, it has been
identified this transmission connection as bottleneck to transfer power to the Northern area and to
absorb wind power generated at Mannar area. Since there are no alternative ways of supplying
electricity demand in Northern Province, construction of a new 220kV transmission line between
New Anuradhapura-Vavuniya Grid Substation is considered as a high priority.
There is a requirement to evacuate upto 200 MW of the wind power generation in near future.
Transmission system strengthening is aimed at improving the voltage profile in the area as well as
evacuating upto 200 MW of wind power from the region in future.
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1.2. Objectives of the IEE report

As this transmission line is above 50kV and longer than 10km, it is categorized as a prescribed project
under the National Environment Act. Following the request for environmental approval, CEA has carried
out the scoping process with relevant stakeholders and issued a Terms of Reference for the initial
environmental examination.
This report intends to identify environmental, social and economical impacts of the proposed project
development and suggest adequate mitigation measures, which is presented in accordance with the TOR.
The initial environmental examination (IEE) report comprises baseline data on the existing condition of
physical, ecological, economical and social information, together with anticipated environmental impacts
and proposed mitigation measures. IEER outcomes are expected to be incorporated into project design to
minimize potential impacts due to construction and operation of the project. Also this report will facilitate
CEB to get the environmental clearance to implement the project and provide guidance for the selected
contractor to carry out construction activities in environmentally and socially sound manner.
1.3. Extent and scope of the study

This proposed transmission line is connecting three grid substations and almost 130km in length.
Few possible alternative routes were initially considered including adjacent route to existing
Anuradhapura Vavuniya transmission line. Preliminary screening has been carried out for
alternative line routes connecting relevant Substations, considering the degree of environmental &
social impacts and economic feasibility.
Study was first aimed at establishing baseline condition for the selected option, with regard to
existing conditions including physical, ecological, economic, and social situation, after conduction
of site studies supplemented with secondary data. Then potential impacts due to construction of
this transmission line were identified with prior similar project experiences, giving due
considerations to the specific conditions of the Project area and its components. IEER includes
mitigation measures resulted from the study to minimize impacts that could happen due to project
implementation and presents compensation policy. Also it identifies critical environmental
attributes required to be monitored subsequent to the implementation of the proposed project
and establish the Environment Monitoring Plan (EMoP).
1.4. Brief outline of the methodologies adopted in IEE preparation
Baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social condition were established with
support of preliminary survey, field study and secondary data. Secondary information was gathered
from publication of government and other research groups in the preliminary stage. Detailed field
assessment for the baseline social and environmental data has been conducted for the distance up
to 100 m on the either side of proposed alignment.
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Field personnel walked along transects along the proposed route mostly during the day to record
plants and animals. Species were then listed separately for each of the different taxonomic groups.
The conservation status of the species i.e. endemism, rarity and threatened status, was also
determined.
A questionnaire survey has been carried out to collect more quantitative data from affected
parties. Respondents were selected from residents live in the vicinity of the line route. Data
collected through questionnaire were analyzed to get information on demography, land ownership,
nature of affected group and positive/ negative attitude towards the project and used for the final
report.
1.5. Government policy regarding the related sectoral development
As indicated in section 1.1, National Energy Policy, GOSL has a target of achieving share of NCRE
10% out of total generation. Ministry of Power and Energy (MoPE) has set its targets for sustainable
development as a ten point agenda. Mainly it includes achieving100% electrification of Sri Lanka in
2012, while cutting down transmission and distribution losses. It also envisages harnessing new
forms of renewable energy such as utilizing Wind Power, Biomass, Solar, Dandro, Wave Power and
the like.
1.6. Compliance with existing plans of the relevant sector
As indicated in 1.5, developing NCRE, and reduction of the transmission losses is among the main
strategies of CEB and MoPE for sustainable development, current grid constraints limit the ability of
evacuating non-conventional renewable energy sources (NCRE), this project will augment existing
transmission system and construct new facilities thus increasing the capacity of absorbing
renewable energy to the national grid, mainly the 200MW wind energy potential to be harnessed
in near future. In addition, this project aims at improving high voltage transmission infrastructure
to reduce losses by improving network efficiency.
1.7. Applicable laws, regulations, standards and requirements covering the proposed project
National Environmental Act N 47 of 1980, amendment N56 of 1988, and other amendments
Electricity Act 2009
Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act , N 35 of 2002
Sri Lanka sustainable energy Authority Act, N 35 of 2007
National Environmental (Protection & Quality) Regulations, No 01 1990.
National Environmental (Ambient Air Quality) Regulations, 1994.
National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations N1 1996
Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act 1993 (N 49 of 1993).
Forest Ordinance Act N 13 of 1966
Forest (Amendment) Act N 65 of 2009
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Felling of Trees (Amendment Act N 01 of 2000 and Act to Amend felling of trees control)
Agrarian Services Act (N 58 of 1979)
Agrarian Development Act N 46 of 2000
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act 1996
Flood Act N 22 of 1955
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act, 1958. Act N24 of 1958
Antiques Ordinance, 1960
National Involuntary Resettlement Policy
Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, N 13 of 1986
1.8. Approvals/ clearances/ permits obtained or should be obtained from relevant state
agencies/ local authorities and any conditions laid down for implementation of the proposed
project by state agencies.
Department of Wildlife Conservation

Department of Forest Conservation
Department of Irrigation
Respective Divisional Secretaries
Department of Archeology
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2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES
2.1. Description of the proposed project
Provide a location map indicating the project site and its environ, including
surrounding development projects and infrastructure.
(include all the
ongoing/already proposed development projects)
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From new Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS, proposed line traverses somewhat parallel to the A9 (Kandy
Jaffna) highway, but crosses it at three points.Then up to Mannar proposed GSS, line lies closer to the
route of A30 (Vavuniya Parayanalankulam) highway to Parayanalankulam and A14 (Medawachchiya
Mannar Talaimannar) highway for the rest.
Provincial Council(s) Pradeshiya Sabha Area(s), Divisional Secretariat(s), within which

the project is to be located:
Total project area lies within North and North-Central Provinces. Proposed transmission
line traverse through 3 districts namely, Anuradhapura, Vavunia and Mannar. Starting
from New Anuradhapura GSS, transmission line passes through New Town
(Nuwaragampalatha East), Mihintale, RambewaandMedawachchiya DS divisions in
Anuradhapura district, Vavunia South (Sinhala), Vavunia and Vengalacheddikulam DS
divisions in Vavunia District and Madhu, Nanaddan and Mannar Town DS divisions in
Mannar District.
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Present ownership and land use of the project site/line trace:

Proposed expansion of Anuradhapura GSS and augmentation of Vavunia GSS confined
to existing premises owned by CEB. The proposed Mannar GSS site is a 4 ha government
land located in Mannar Town DS division. This land is to be leased on long term and
arrangements have been made with Ministry of Land and Land Development.
Proposed transmission line from Apura to Vavunia mostly goes over paddy fields and
shrubs. During the planning of proposed line, it was observed that existing 132kV
transmission line route corridor is crowded with many human settlements; therefore
new line has deviated from the existing line and A9 road to go through private paddy
lands to avoid social conflicts. It has to cut Mihintale Forest Reserve for a length of
3.3km to avoid densely populated areas in Mihintale and Rajarata University premises.
From Vavunia, proposed transmission line traverses along A30 (Vavuniya
Parayanalankulam) highway up to Parayanalankulam junction. There are several forest
reserves along either side of the road. Vavunia GSS is located adjacent to the Maha
irampaikkulam Forest Reserve, which is already encroached and in a degraded state.
And proposed line crosses the forest reserve for a length of 650m.However, the whole
length traversed by the line through forest reserve is home gardens only, and no forest
area is encountered. After passing the town area, transmission line mostly traverse
through paddy fields and shrubs. From Parayanalankulam junction line follows A14 road
up to Mannar proposed GSS. Most lands are privately owned paddy fields while rest
isstate owned shrub lands.
Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)
Proposed time schedule for construction of Anuradhapura Vavuniya Mannar Transmission line
is shown in annex 5.4.
Give details of the project characteristics including its principal features; project
related permanent and temporary structures. (Including designs of transmission
towers, switch yards, grid substation etc.)
Augmentation of New Anuradhapura GSS
Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays.
New Anuradhapura - Vavuniya Transmission line
Construction of 132 kV double circuit 59 km Transmission line, with 220 kV

design for future upgrade of voltage.
Approximately the line has 190 nos. lattice towers
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Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays.
Vavuniya - Mannar Transmission line
Construction of 132 kV double circuit Zebra 70.3 km Transmission line,with 220

kV design for future upgrade of voltage
Approximately the line has 230 nos.lattice towers
1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers

132 kV single busbar arrangement including bus section
33 kV single busbar arrangement including bus section
4 nos. 132 kV single busbar transmission line bays
1 No, 132 kV single busbar transformer bay
1No, 33 kV transformer bay
4 nos., 33 kV feeder bays
Mannar GSS is intended to absorb renewable energy from proposed wind power plant
in Mannar Island while serving demand in Mannar area. This new substation will
eliminate requirement lengthy 33kV lines from Puttalam and Vavunia. Collector
substation will be built in Nadukuda and it will be connected to Mannar GSS in
Uyilankulam via 132kV transmission link. Single line diagrams of the proposed project
developments in grid substations are attached as annex 5.3.
Type of equipment/transformers to be installed at each location and their capacity

details, extent and type of grid substations, switch yards etc.
Augmentation of New Anuradhapura GSS
Proposed project development is confined to the CEB owned existing GSS premises.
Proposed project development is confined to the CEB owned existing GSS premises.
1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers

1 No, 132 kV single busbar transformer bay
1No, 33 kV transformer bay
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Drawing showing project layout plan covering the major components of the project at
a reasonable scale. (1:50000/1:10000 scale) Mark all the buildings and infra structure
facilities, land use etc. in the study area along the line route, on the same.
1:50,000 maps showing proposed line route is attached as annex 5.1.
Geographic coordinates of the center line of the line route and the boundaries of grid
substations/switch yards
The geographic coordinates of the center line of all the angle (deviation) points of the
line route and the boundaries of grid substations/switch yards are given in annex 5.5.
A table listing names of all the tanks in the study area and the coordinates of the
locations of two angle towers on either side of each tanks.
List of tanks traversed along the course of transmission line and their GPS coordinates
are in the Table 3.1.
2.2. Methodology of Construction
Methods of construction of grid substations/switchyards etc.

GSS/switchyard consists of different equipment mounted on steel structure embedded in to
concrete foundations, and a control building. Land preparation requires in both construction of
grid substation and tower foundations. To lessen the risk of flooding, it is necessary to raise
finished level of GSS above the road level. In Mannar, retaining wall is needed to build around
the proposed land, clear any vegetation and fill up to the desired level.
Construction will involve excavation for building and equipment foundations, civil works and
erection of equipment. Foundation excavations are executed with backhoe or manually. Depth
of excavation is very unlikely to exceed 2m in good soils.
Methods of construction of towers footing and erection of towers

The project activities during construction phase will involve clearing of trees along the route
alignment wherever required, excavation for installation of towers, concreting of foundations
erection of towers, and line stringing.
There are two main types of towers in transmission lines which are steel lattice structures.
Suspension towers- These structures are designed only to carry the weight of conductors in
straight-line portions of transmission line. Therefore, all conductors have been attached to
tower cross arms with glass insulators and continuously run through these towers.
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Tension towers- These towers are used in angle points where transmission line deviates from
its route. Since these towers are designed to withstand both conductor tension and weight,
they are stronger and having a wider base, compared to suspension towers. The continuity of
the electrical power transmission will be provided by a separate jumper loop. There are several
types of tension towers to accommodate different angles of deviation. Tension towers are also
used as section towers in longer straight sections of the transmission line. Special type of
tension tower is used at the termination point of transmission line at GSS which is called as
terminal tower.
For tower foundations, there are nine strength classes decides upon soil parameters and level
of water table ranging from homogeneous rock to most week soils. The erection of structures
needs some skilled personnel and supervisory staff. Although many different tower erection
methods practiced and, the selection of an erection method depends on various parameters
such as the adaptability of selected methods to each site conditions, time and the cost, etc.
Methods of stringing (linking substations using conductors)

Conductor stringing is a specialized process, which needs highly skilled linemen, tools and
machineries. The earth wires and line conductors are strung at a tension using pilot wires,
tensioners, pullers and pulleys. Adequate number of linemen and proper communication
facility has to be available during the stringing process.
Use of explosives (if any)

Blasting will be required only if the foundations are on rock, which could not be excavated
using conventional methods; the possibility of which is very less. Rock blasting would be
carefully monitored and prior warnings done to reduce the risk of accidents. In case there is
any threat / risk to the surrounding residences or private / commercial/ state buildings and/or
their occupants, controlled blasting will be adopted. Anyway, the detailed design will include a
safety plan for construction activities and related hazards, including those related to earth
removal & filling, quarrying/blasting hazards and other construction related accidents.
Infrastructure facilities required/provided:

Separate parking and storage spaces should be allocated to construction vehicles, equipments,
material storage yards, disposal sites, and labour camps for human resourceduring mobilization
stage to avoid anyenvironmental impact and public inconvenience.Selected sites must comply
with the local laws and regulations and need approval from authorities to utilize these facilities.
All construction sites and labor camps are to be provided with electricity either via temporary
connection from national grid or onsite generator. Selecting accessible sites will eliminate the
need of access road construction. Also it is important that selection of temporary lands is done
reasonably away from highly populated areas, water bodies, natural flow paths, agricultural
lands, important ecological habitats and residential areas.
Page 16
Details of any access roads to be built/improved (existing condition and anticipated

improvement
Two existing GSSs and proposed Mannar GSS are located adjacent to main roads and no new
access facilities are needed. Transmission line construction will rely on existing roads, wherever
feasible. However, during line construction, new access roads/tracks may be built to reach
certain tower locations without vehicular access, if it is absolutely necessary. In such locations,
maximum efforts will be made to manually transport equipment in knocked-down state to
tower locations, while new access road will be built, only if it is absolutely necessary.
Temporary access roads will be sited carefully to minimize the environmental and/or social
issues such as soil erosion in the hilly areas, disruptions to paddy farming operations in the
paddy fields etc. Removal of trees and green cover vegetation should be minimized during
preparation of access road and other facilities.These temporary access roads will be completely
removedand ground is reinstated after the completion of construction activities.
Other resources/facilities required/provided

Temporary labour camps will be provided with proper water and sanitary facilities. Since
project sites are mostly located in rural areas of the dry and arid zones, proper water supply
must be ensured only with water browsers. Hygienically sound sanitation facilities are to be
setup in and around labor camps, which should not cause ground or surface water pollution.
State the proposed time schedule for construction

As mentioned earlier, proposed time schedule for construction of Anuradhapura Vavuniya
Mannar Transmission line is shown in annex 5.4.
2.3. Work force
Local labour requirements, availability of labour in the area, employment of local

people
Scope of this project envisages large scale and specialized construction. Therefore CEB will call
for tenders and award the construction to a contractor. It will be either a national or
international contractor, and they will employ the relevant workforce. For skilled labor, it is
highly likely that personals from outside the locality will be employed while in unskilled labor,
personnel from within the locality are utilized. Majority of the population in project areas are
engaged in agricultural activities, especially paddy and chena cultivation. Therefore most of
them are seasonally employed. Hence unskilled labor requirement of the construction activities
can be fulfilled with locally available manpower.
Occupational health and safety facilities required/provided

Nature of the works in construction activities has a high incidence of occupational ill health.
This work includes many hazardous tasks and conditions such as work at height, excavations,
Page 17
noise, dust, power tools and equipment, confined spaces and high tension power supply. The
effects can be devastating for the individuals and their families as there is often a long-term
impact on quality of life and financial security.
Contractors are obliged to maintain occupational health and safety facilities that comply with
labor rules and standards, in order to assure safe work environment. They should provide or
maintain plant or systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without
risks to health; keep information and records relating to the health and safety of employees of
the employer; and engage persons who are suitably qualified in relation to occupational health
and safety to provide advice to the employer concerning the health and safety of employees of
the employer.CEB will exercise such care over contractors work and take such steps as are
practicable in the circumstances to avoid a foreseeable risk of death or injury.
2.4. Maintenance procedure
Any provisions for maintenance of project components. State the standard practice
and any deviation required
The CEB does monitoring and supervision of the Project during the construction of the project as well
as operational phase. Once the project is handed over to the CEB, it ensures that the transmission line
is maintained properly and in good condition.
The lifetime of a transmission line is more than 50 years, during which maintenance works are
comparatively less, and limited to following.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Removal of rust and re-painting (old galvanizing) of any tower steel members with
corrosion
Replacing any damaged insulators
Removal/pruning of trees/branches of them which may grow above 3m, height along
the 35m wide line corridor.
There will be no environmental or social impacts anticipated under item (i) and (ii).
Since the trees that would grow above 3m would be cut/ removed along the 35m wide line corridor
before the line is energized, the additional impact from item (iii) is also, insignificant.
The lifetime of a GSS is also more than 50 years and maintenance works involved are limited to following
items.
(i)
(ii)
Filtering/changing of topping up transformer oils

Removal and replacement of equipment
Since no transformers, circuit breakers or any other equipment containing PCB would be installed in the GSS
under this project there will be no environmental or social impacts anticipated from above activities.
Page 18
Sources of hazardous/electronic waste (if any)

During construction of grid substations, CEB will not use PCB or asbestos for any new
transformers, and disposal of none of those substances from old transformers are involved in
this project. Construction of project components will not generally result in hazardous or
electronic waste. In case of such event, CEB will proceed according to the CEA guidelines of
hazardous waste disposal.
2.5. Evaluation of alternatives

-
The no action alternative (i.e. one based on current practices without approval of
the project)
"No-action" would mean the proposed activity would not take place, and the resulting
environmental effects from taking no action would be compared with the effects of permitting
the proposed activity or an alternative activity to go forward. The no-action alternative is
developed for two reasons. It is almost always a viable choice in the range of reasonable
alternatives, and it sets a baseline of existing impact continued into the future against which to
compare impacts of action alternatives. This is important context information in determining the
relative magnitude and intensity of impacts
Economy of Northern Province is in boom after end of civil conflicts and shows escalation of the
demand for electricity in all the sectors especially domestic and industrial which is expected at
the rate of 7-8%. In this context, generating sources and primary transmission and associated
grid substation facilities have to be re-enforced and strengthened in order to meet this growth
in demand. This transmission development project will build infrastructure to absorb renewable
energy from proposed wind farm in Mannar, and reduce losses by improving efficiency of the
grid and ensure reliable and uninterrupted supply to the Mannar area.
Beneficial results of non-development options also cannot be ignored. These benefits include
ecological and environmental preservation, and the reduction of stress to existing floral and
faunal assemblages. But when compared, positive benefits adequately justify the
implementation of the project. Therefore no-action alternative is not acceptable.
Alternative routes, design and technology selection, construction techniques, and

maintenance procedures etc.
The analyses of alternatives results in the selection of the preferred alternative for the project
based on sound environmental, technical and economic grounds i.e., the option with the highest
cost benefit factor, the most technically feasible and with least residual impact on the
environment (social and biological) is identified as the preferred option.
Page 19
Several alternative line routes have been proposed based on Google Earth satellite images and
1:50,000 topographical maps during initial route selection, which were studied / inspected
during preliminary site visits. Entire transmission line was considered as two line segments, one
from New Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS and from Vavunia GSS to proposed Mannar GSS due to
longer line lengths and significantly different land use patterns.
First part from New Apura GSS to Vavunia GSS has existing 132kV link in between. A parallel
corridor was considered as the shortest and most technically feasible one. But studies revealed
that many parts of the existing line have been now populated with new settlements. Hence
another option was considered which is longer in length but very much less social and
environmental impact.
In Vavunia GSS to proposed Mannar GSS portion, shortest path lies within many forest reserves
and national parks, which are rich eco systems with dry zone forests. Selected route goes
parallel to main roads making easy access to project sites and causing lesser impact to
environment. Both these line routes were further studied by relevant officers of CEB and more
optimized after sites visits with environmental scoping committee members. Proposed
alternatives were compared with special emphasis to the environmental impacts, land use and
social concerns, and the evaluation analysis is given in Table 2. 1.
Table 2.1 Evaluation of Alternatives
Proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Anuradhapura to Vavunia
(Land Use as percentage of the total length for each alternative)
i)
ii)
Total Line Length
56.2 km
58.3 km
59 km
Land Usage
Option 1
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
11.46
Option 2
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
5.36
Option 3
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
-
5.03
6.67
5.03
Protected areas under forest

department
Other Forests under forest department
Other Plantation
2.34
iii)
Home Garden
28.64
11.76
8.38
vi)
Shrub
17.03
22.75
38.45
v)
Chena
13.15
10.96
11.71
vi)
Paddy
18.5
39.55
31.25
vii)
Rock
0.82
Page 20
viii) Tanks
6.17
2.83
2.03
No of Crossing
i)
Railway
ii)
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
iii)
River Crossing
iv)
Tanks
Option 1
Line goes parallel with Existing Anuradhapura Vavunia Transmission Line.
Option 2
Transmission line initiates from Anuradhapura GSS and passes Kuda Nelunkulama, Nelunkanniya, Kudawewa,
Ruwangama, Andankulama, Dilkgala, Sangilikulam, Nambadagaswewa, Horowtibbewewa, Katukeliyawa,
Koukumbukgollewa, Medawachchiya Town, Akirikanda, IssenBessawagala, Tammanna Wewa, Maha
Kumbukgollewa, Kalukundamaduwa and terminates at Vavunia GSS.
Option 3
Transmission line initiates from Anuradhapura GSS and passes Maha Nelunkulama, Kuda Wannamaduwa,
Nelunkanniya, Cahikatuwewa, Hammillewa, Ruwangama, Andankulama, Timbiriwewa, Dikgala, Kongasgauna,
Diviyandabendewam, kadahattewewa, medawachchiya, Pahala Kumbukwewa, Palukandewa, Galkaddegama,
Rambewa, Alagala, Sinnakulama, Vannakalveerakulam, Thuverunkulam, Lunuwewa, Velikkulam, Nedunkulama,
and terminates at Vavunia GSS.
Option 3 is the selected proposed alternative for the transmission line.
Table 2.2 Evaluation of Alternatives
Proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Mannar to Vavunia
(Land Use as percentage of the total length for each alternative)
i)
ii)
Total Line Length
70.3 km
71 km
77.5 km
Land Usage
Option 1
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
6.05
Option 2
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
-
Option 3
Proposed Route
On Map
(percentage)
19.85
2.21
3.82
Protected areas under wildlife

department
Protected areas under forest
department
Page 21
iii)
13.73
9.64
18.33
vi)
Other Plantation
2.88
v)
Home Garden
10.51
14.42
2.45
vi)
Shrub
14.23
23.92
24.15
vii)
Chena
4.57
3.69
2.65
viii) Paddy
40.64
39.22
30.64
ix)
5.24
5.29
1.92
Tanks
No of Crossing
i)
Railway Crossings
ii)
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
iii)
River Crossing
iv)
Tanks
10
13
Option 1 (Selected Line)

Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Paddanichchipuliyankulam, Tandikkulam,
Pattiniyarmakllankulam,
Palamaikkallu,
Pampaimadu,
Sonaksalampaikkuam,
Salampaikulam,
Kurukkalkurisuddakulam, Senkappaddai, Vannankailupuliyankulam, Munrukurippukulam, Madhu Road,
Tambanaikkulam, Udaiyadipullyankulam, Chundikkuli, Nalavankulam, Semmantiyu, llantaimoddai and
terminates atMannar GSS.
Option 2
Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Pattiniyarmkilankulam, Palamaikkallu, Pampaimadu,
Aliyansaintakualam, Velapparpuliyankulam, Kurinchakkualam, Senkappaddai, Pandisurichchan, Uralkulattuvadi,
Vannakilupuliyankualm, Paraiyanalankulam, Kovitkulam, Kochchikulam, Semmantivu, Lantaimoddal and
terminates atMannar GSS.
Option 3
Transmission line initiates from Vavunia GSS and passes Pichchuvilaththikkulam, Maha Irampaikkulam,
Kakkayankulam,
Pokkaravani,
Parikariperiyakulam,
Palampiddi,
Nalattikulam,
Kayamoddai,
Kataddamandakualm, Puthukkamam, Vellalakulam, Punkantalvu and terminates atMannar GSS.
Option 1 is the selected proposed alternative for the transmission line.
Page 22
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Climate and meteorology
Basic meteorological parameters, potential hazardous weather events
Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya is located
almost 205 km north of Colombo. It belongs to North-Central Provinceand has been declared as a
UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. The city experiences tropical climate governed by monsoon winds.
The western part of the district, receives very less precipitation (1000 mm-1500mm) than east part of
district (1500-2000 mm).Highest precipitation is received in inter monsoon period from October to
December. Throughout the year district has high temperature (29 C - 30 C). But, from December to
January, temperature goes down to 26 C.
Vavuniya District is located in the north of Sri Lanka in the Northern Province approximately 260km
from capitol city of Colombo. The district falls within the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The average
temperature is 28.70C and it is low during the period of October to January. The average rainfall of the
district is 1310mm. From early October to late January is the Maha rainy season and from late April to
late May is the Yala rainy season.
Mannar district is located in the north west of Sri Lanka in the Northern Province, covering a land area
of 2,002 sq. km. Western part of the district, including the Mannar Island forms a part of Sri Lankas arid
zone while the rest of the areas of the district falls within the dry zone of Sri Lanka, where tropical dry
climate is prevalent. The area covered by the district receives somewhat low rainfall throughout the
year. Annual rainfall in the western part of the district, including the Mannar Island, is less than 1000
mm while that in rest of the district is between 1000 1250 mm. The area experiences heavy rains from
October to December, during NE monsoonal season. In comparison, amount of rainfall receives during
the rest of the months is extremely low. The highest average monthly temperature is recorded in the
months of June, July & August (36C) while the lowest is encountered in the months of January and
December (25C). The mean annual temperature is about 30-34C.
Extreme weather events
As all three districts are in dry and arid areas, droughts are the most common disastrous situation.
According to historic weather data, rural areas of Anuradhapura are more vulnerable to the extended
droughts.
Sri Lanka is more frequently hit by floods than any other natural disasters. Subjective project area
receives more precipitation for a shorter period during Northeast Monsoon between November and
February. Severe flooding can occur in these areas when the Northeast Monsoon is reinforced by a
cyclone or cyclonic storm, mostly in November and December. Vavuniya records the most number of
flood incidents since 1957. (The National Atlas of Sri Lanka)
Cyclones are not common phenomena in Sri Lankas disaster scene. But historical data shows that
cyclone paths are fall on these three districts. Anuradhapura district records 8-10 cyclone events since
1901 while Mannar district has 6-8 such events.
Page 23
3.2. Topography
Recent topographical data clearly indicating reserve areas, marshy areas, water
bodies, canals, streams, drainage channels
A table containing names of the tanks through which the transmission line traverse,
coordinates etc.
Starting from Uilankulama Proposed GSS, about one fourth of the proposed transmission line traverses
on flat terrain of less than 30m MSL height up to Madhu area and then line stretch up to Anuradhapura
via Vavuniya goes along slightly undulating terrain varies 30~150m MSL.
Reserved areas
Proposed transmission line has got number of forest reserves, sanctuaries and national parks in the
vicinity. In Madhu road area transmission line route intersects proposed extended boundary of Madhu
sanctuary for a length of 3.1km. Close to Vavuniya GSS, four forest reserves are in close proximity to
the transmission line and two of them namely, Maha Irampaikkulam forest reserve & Puvarasankulam
forest reserve are crossed for a length of 660 and 700m respectively. Both reserved areas have been
encroached by people for settlements and cultivations, therefore in a degraded state.
While existing Anuradhapura to Vavuniya transmission line crosses Issenbassawa wewa Forest Reserve,
proposed line deviates to further west to avoid settlements and reserved areas. Mihintale Forest
Reserve in outskirts of Anuradhapura has been under the authority of Forest Department and
commercial Teak (Tectona grandis) plantations are underway. Proposed transmission line crosses
Mihintale reserved area for a length of 3.2 km.
Marshy areas, water bodies

Proposed transmission line traverses along paddy lands in many areas including area irrigated under
Giants tank scheme, Vavuniya, Medawachchiya, Rambewa and selected land for Uilankulama GSS.
Main water bodies in close proximity to transmission line are Giants tank and Mahakanadara Wewa
neither of them are crossed by the line.
Canals, streams, drainage channels

Main waterway crossed by the transmission line is the diversion canal from Aruvi Aru to Giants tank.
No other canals or streams are crossed other than several minor irrigation canals.
Table 3. 1
Names of the tanks/coordinates
No
Name of the Tank
1
2
3
4
Anuradapura to Vavuniya
Tank at Sangikakanadarawa
Tank at Ratmalwetiya
Tank at Nelugoliewa
Tank at Nabadawila
Entry Point
Exit Point
831'25.64"N
833'24.49"N
834'16.69"N
838'21.60"N
8031'2.81"E
8030'20.68"E
8030'21.44"E
8030'34.96"E
831'28.53"N
833'29.60"N
834'24.82"N
838'24.18"N
8031'1.62"E
8030'19.17"E
8030'22.68"E
8030'34.99"E
Page 24
5
6
7
8
Vannanbullyan Kulam
Vannakalveeran Kulam
Kayan Kulam
Pinuwakumbukgas Wewa
841'33.98"N
841'51.57"N
843'37.32"N
844'27.80"N
8030'39.60"E
8030'49.66"E
8031'40.69"E
8031'52.90"E
841'41.34"N
841'56.00"N
843'41.66"N
844'35.47"N
8030'43.79"E
8030'52.14"E
8031'41.96"E
8031'54.67"E
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Vavunia to Mannar
Vavuniya Kulam
Thandi Kulam
Pattiniyarmakllon Kulam
Paddakaddu Kulam
Tampanai Kulam
Tank at Ganeshapuram
Tank at Puvarasankulam
Keraddiyan Kulalm
Tank at Senkappaddai
Tirukaya Kulam
Kallyamurippu Kulam
Tank at Tambanaikkulam
Murunkan Kulam
845'54.93"N
846'44.28"N
846'55.12"N
846'41.75"N
846'11.87"N
846'11.41"N
845'36.46"N
845'34.20"N
845'50.13"N
845'16.98"N
845'4.36"N
847'57.76"N
849'46.35"N
8030'33.19"E
8029'30.54"E
8028'41.02"E
8028'6.59"E
8027'33.61"E
8026'54.74"E
8022'8.47"E
8020'7.98"E
8018'20.63"E
8013'30.23"E
8012'56.10"E
80 7'33.95"E
80 2'6.74"E
845'59.38"N
846'38.24"N
846'57.74"N
846'43.47"N
846'14.32"N
846'9.20"N
845'40.97"N
845'35.11"N
845'44.99"N
845'18.20"N
845'6.97"N
847'57.36"N
849'46.48"N
8030'42.73"E
8029'34.28"E
8028'48.43"E
8028'10.68"E
8027'38.40"E
8027'4.73"E
8022'23.39"E
8020'20.57"E
8018'29.73"E
8013'34.29"E
8013'3.13"E
80 7'36.61"E
80 2'15.63"E
3.3. Geology & soil

General geology of the area, soil types
Page 25
Lithotectonically Sri Lanka is divided in to several regions and entire transmission line lies within the Wanni
Complex starting from Cenozoic cover in North-West part of the country comprising of alluvial deposits and
Miocene limestone. Then line crosses areas adjacent to giant tank where Biotite gneiss rocks and Grumusol soils
are present. Solodized Solonetz soil is seen along the banks of Aravi Aru. From Paraiyanalankulam to Vavuniya,
Reddish Brown earth and Low Humic Gley soils are dominant. From Vavuniya to Anuradhapura, Granitic gneiss,
Charnockite and Hornblende gneiss rocks are encountered while Reddish Brown earth and Low Humic Gley soils
are still dominant.
3.4. Ecological resources
Existing natural and manmade habitats in and around the project site and,
distribution and density of fauna and flora of them
The Table 3.2 shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the transmission line and their extent
in the total corridor from Anuradhapura to Vavuniya.
Table 3. 2 Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)
Total Line Length
59 km
Land Usage
Percentage of total
line length (%)
Corridor width
(m)
Total affected
Area (ha)
i)
Paddy
31.25
35
64.53
ii)
Home Gardens
8.38
35
17.3
iii)
Open scrublands
38.45
35
79.4
iv)
Forest (protected + other)
5.03
35
10.39
v)
Chena
11.71
35
24.18
vi)
Other
5.18
35
10.7
The Table 3.3 shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the transmission line and their extent
in the total corridor from Manner to Vavuniya.
Table 3. 3 Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)
Total Line Length
70 km
Land Usage
Percentage of total
line length (%)
Corridor width
(m)
Total affected
Area (ha)
i)
Paddy
40.64
35
99.57
ii)
Home Gardens
10.51
35
25.75
iii)
Open scrublands
14.23
35
34.86
Page 26
iv)
21.89
35
53.63
v)
Chena
4.57
35
11.2
vi)
Other
8.16
35
19.99
Flora
The project area comprise of predominantly paddy lands then homegardens, open scrublands, forest areas,
chena lands and lakes in order of significance. Table 3.4 shows the distribution of the flora in the affected
habitats while Table 3.5 shows the distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area.
The full list of flora species encountered in the Project affected areas is shown in Annex 7.
Table 3. 4 Summary of the distribution of flora according to the habitats in the project area
Habitats
The extent in
the corridor
(30m) in ha
Paddy
Home
Gardens
Open
scrubs
Forest
Chena
Tanks
Total
164.1
43.05
No. of
species in
the habitat
types
38
64
114.26
43
64.02
35.38
30.69
164.1
22
14
13
194
Biodiversi
ty % in
the
ecosyste
m
19.58
Endemi
c
species
Nationally
Threatene
d species
Vulnera
ble
species
0.5
1
32.98
0.5
1
22.16
11.34
7.21
6.7
100
0.5
1
0.5
1.5
Table 3. 5 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area
Family
Scientific name
Common
name
Habit
Species
Status
Conservation PA
Status
HG
TA OS
FO
Walidda
Idda
Small Endemic LC
*
antidysenterica
Tree
Rubiaceae
Mitragyna
Halamba
Tree Native
EN
*
tubulosa
Cycadaceae
Cycas
Madu
Small Native
VU
*
nathorstii
Tree
Salvadoraceae
Salvadora
Maliththan Small Native
NT
*
persica
Tree
ABBREVIATIONS: SS Species Status, ED Endemic, CS Conservation Status, EN Endangered, NT Near
Threatened, OS Open Scrublands, PA Paddy, HG Home gardens
CH
Apocynaceae
Fauna
Page 27
Table 3.6 shows the summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area while Table 3.7 shows the
distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area. The full list of the faunal species
encountered in the Project area is shown in Annex 7.
Table 3. 6 The summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area
Habitats
% of fauna
observed
%
Category of
biodive fauna
rsity
Paddy lands
13.27
7.0422
7.0422
4.2253
2.8169
45.070
2.8169
16.393
1.6393
3.2786
4.0983
28.688
1.6393
10.476
0.9523
0
4.7619
38.095
3.8095
18.181
2.2727
0
3.4090
42.045
2.2727
5
7.1428
3.5714
0
36
0
0
50
0
0
8.3333
29.166
20.289
0
Homegarden
s
Chena
Cultivations
Open
Scrublands
Tank
associated
22.80
19.62
16.44
10.46
Other
Plantations
4.48
Forests
12.89
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
End
emic
species
Endang
ered
species
Critica
lly
Endan
gered
Vulner
able
species
Near
Threa
tened
1
1
Page 28
4.3478
2.8985
34.782
7.2463
Abbreviations: NA not applicable
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
1
1
1
Rare threatened and endemic species

Table 3. 7 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area
Family
Scientific name
Common name
Species
category
Elephantidae
Elephas
maximus
Columba livia
Gmelin, 1789
Ocyceros
gingalensis
(Shaw,
1811)
Chrysocolaptes
Asian Elephant
Columbidae
Bucerotidae
Picidae
Scolopacidae
Scincidae
Rhacophoridae
Lycaenidae
Pieridae
festivus
(Boddaert,
Limosa limosa
(Linnaeus,
1758)
Lankascincus
fallax
Pseudophilautu
s regius
Amblypodia
anita
Appias galane
Lycaenidae
Amblypodia
anita
Lycaenidae
Virachola perse
Hewitson, 1863
Papilio crino
Papilionidae
Mammal
Speci
es
Statu
BR
Conser
vation
Status
EN
TA
PA
OS
HG
Rock Pigeon
Bird
BR
CR
Sri Lanka Grey

Hornbill
Bird
LC
White-naped
Woodpecker
Black-tailed
Godwit
Bird
BR
VU
Bird
NT
Common Supple
Skink
Polonnaruwa
shrub frog
Reptile
LC
Amphibian
VU
Purple leaf Blue
Butterfly
BR
NT
Sri Lanka Lesser

albatross
Purple leaf Blue
Butterfly
LC
Butterfly
BR
NT
Large Guava
Blue
Banded peacock
Butterfly
BR
VU
Butterfly
BR
VU
FO
CH
PL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Libellulidae
Trithemis
Indigo Dropwing Dragonfly
BR
VU
*
festiva
ABBREVIATIONS: SS Species Status, ED Endemic, CS Conservation Status, EN Endangered, , OS Open Scrublands, PA
Paddy, HG Home gardens, R Rubber
Proximity to protected areas

In Anuradhapura, the transmission line traverses across the Mihintale Sanctuary and then Mihintale Forest
Reserve for a short distance. In Mannar the line crosses the Madhu Road Sanctuary for a short distance of about
1 km while it goes parallel to the A14 road. The Mihintale Wildlife Sanctuary was gazetted in May 27 1938. It is
believed to be the first sanctuary in the world but now is in a rather neglected state. . It comprises 999.6
Page 29
hectares or 2,500 acres. All the mountains and hills of Mihintale, the Kaludiya Pokuna, Mihindu Guhava,
Ambasthala area and the Amba Vanaya, which belong to the Forest Department, come within this Sanctuary.
The biodiversity of this area is high. The forest type is dry mixed evergreen forest with open and sparse forests
(open scrublands). The dominant tree species include Palu, Burutha, Weera, Milla, Teak, Ebony.
With regard to the fauna, about 72 species had been recorded including Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles,
Butterflies and Dragonflies. According to the IUCN Red List among the fauna there are 3 endangered, 2
vulnerable and 4 Near Threatened species. The Mihintale Forest Reserve is located within the Sanctuary and had
been designated as a Reserve in 1924. However, it is also now in a rather neglected state. The predominant
vegetation is Teak Plantations which is now in the second rotation having an age of around 10 years. The
plantation had not been managed and therefore the growth of the trees is very poor. There is also a metal
quarry in operation within the Reserve.
The Madhu Road Sanctuary which belongs to the Department of Wildlife Conservation had been designated as a
protected area in 1968 and has an extent of 26,677 ha. The forests belong to dry mixed evergreen forests and
open and sparse forests (open scrublands) and the predominant tree species are Palu, Weera, Milla, Ebony,
Burutha. According to the IUCN, there are about 63 faunal species belongs to all the categories of fauna and
among them there are 4 endangered, 4 vulnerable and 4 near threatened species.
3.5. Socio-economic considerations
Present land use pattern
Summary of the present land use data extracted from 1:50,000 maps published by Survey Department are as
follows. Detailed land use data is already mentioned in section 3.4.
Table 3. 8 Summary of the proposed land use
Land Use
Paddy
Home Gardens
Open scrublands
Chena
Other
Percentage %
36.35
9.53
25.31
14.18
7.84
6.8
Population characteristics and socio-economic status of community in the study area
Population
Population in the three districts under consideration is as given in the Table 3.9. Compared to Anuradhapura
District the other two Districts are sparsely populated. Whereas Anuradhapura District has a population density
of 112 per km2, Vavuniya and Mannar report 81 per km2 (Table 3.10). Distribution of population by gender is as
shown in the Table 3.11. Male population accounts for 51%, 41% and 52% in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and
Mannar Districts respectively. The ethnic composition of the population in the Vavuniya and Mannar Districts
are not mentioned in the statistics available as they were under military conflict for years. The Table 3.12 shows
Page 30
the distribution of population by ethnicity in Anuradhapura District. The distribution of population in the
divisions of divisional secretariats is as mentioned in the Tables 3.13, Table. 3.14 and Table.3.15.
Table 3. 9 Population by District (2011)
District
Population in
thousands
Anuradhapura
830
Vavuniya
174
Mannar
104
total
1108
Source: Department of Census and Statistics

Table 3. 10 Population Density by Districts (Per km2)
District
Density
Anuradhapura
112
Vavuniya
81
Mannar
81

Table 3. 11 Population by Gender (in thousands)
District
Male %
Female
Anuradhapura
423
51 407
Vavuniya
85
49 89
Mannar
54
52 50
%
49
51
48
Total
830
174
104
%
100
100
100

Table 3. 12 Population by Ethic Groups 2011
District
Sinhalase Sri
Indian
lankan Tamil
Tamil
Anuradhapura
676073
5073
443
(90.6%)
(0.6%) (0.05%)
Moor
Burgher
Malay
Other
Total
61989
(8.3%)
179
(0.02%)
279
(0.03%)
1651
(0.2%)
745687
(100%)
Vavuniya
Mannar
Source: Department of Census and Statistic

Table 3. 13 Population by Divisional Secretarial Anuradhapura
Division
Male
Female
Total
Medawachchiya
Mihinthale
Nuwaragampalatha-east
Rambewa
20318
13421
134231
15643
20151
13365
31439
15961
40469
26786
65671
31604
Page 31
Table 3. 14 Population by Divisional Secretarial Vavuniya

Division
Male
Female
Total
Vavuniya
Vavuniya- north
Vavuniya- south
Vengalacheddi Kulam
57439
1863
5463
8889
59002
1348
5537
6758
116441
3211
11000
17647

Table 3. 15 Population by Divisional Secretarial Mannar
Division
Male
Female
Total
Mannar town
20876
20848
41724

*Statistics are available only for Mannar town
Housing
Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of housing facilities are dominant among the major
indicators of peoples socio-economic states. As they stand for symbolic expression of social status of
residents, people strive to construct good houses and furnish them with other status symbols. People
of the three Districts under consideration possess facilities of housing as indicated in the statistics
compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics. Being affected by the military conflicts for
decades the Districts of Vavuniya and Manna show lesser number of housing units compared to those
of Anuradhapura Districts. (Table 3.16). Most of the houses in all the three Districts are single storied
as shown in the Table 3.16. Single storied housing unites account for 97%, 77% and 86% in
Anuradhapura, Vauniya and Mannar Districts respectively. As the building materials used for the
construction of houses are concerned, bricks and cement blocks have been predominantly used in the
three Districts. However, 24% in Mannar have been built with mud, kadjans and planks. The poor
housing facilities are well evident from those statistics. (Table 3.17). As the roofs of those houses are
taken into account, nearly 90% of housing units in Anuradhapura have tiles and asbestos, whereas
those building material account for 59% in Vavunia and 67% in Mannar. Kadjan and similar temporary
materials have been used for 11% of houses in Vavuniya and Mannar each. (Table 3.18)
For drinking water, most of the people in three Districts depend on wells. Over 51% of houses in
Anuradhapura and 71% in Vavuniya get water from wells. In Mannar, 51% of houses get water from
wells. Tube well seemed popular among 17% in vavuniya and 7.4% in Mannar. (Table 3.19). Whereas
83.4% of houses in Anuradhapura are illuminated by electricity supplied by the national grid, and
69.6% and 58.1% of houses in Vavuniya and Mannar respectively are connected to the same source of
electricity. (Table 3.20) Still 15.3% in Anuradhapura depends on kerosene. In Vavuniya and Mannar
kerosene oil accounts for illuminating 27.7% and 34.2% of houses respectively. Availability of sanitary
facilities is evident from the statistics given in the Table 3.21. In Vavunaya and Mannar Districts,
permanent toilets are not available for 10% of houses.
Page 32
Table 3. 16 Occupied Housing Units by Type of Housing Units, 2012
Single house
more than two
storeys
Attached
house/annex
Flat
Condominium/lux
ury apartment
Twin house
Row house/line
rooms
Hut/shanty
Other
227,598
100.0
40,896
100.0
23,338
100.0
Single house-two
storeyed
Anuradhapura
percentage
Vavuniya
percentage
Mannar
percentage
Single housesingle storeyed
District
Number of housing units
Type of housing unit
220,896
97.1
31,478
77.0
20,170
86.4
4,581
2.0
1,118
2.7
888
3.8
229
0.1
188
0.5
501
2.1
48
0.0
54
0.1
18
0.1
0
0.0
27
0.1
11
0.0
423
0.2
39
0.1
39
0.2
141
0.1
1,784
4.4
3
0.0
746
0.3
5,953
14.6
1,672
7.2
111
0.0
118
0.3
20
0.1
423
0.2
135
0.3
16
0.1
Source: Department of Census and Statistics 2011
Cabook
Pressed soil
bricks
Mud
Kadjan/palmyra
h
Plank/metal
sheet
Other
227,598
100.0
40,894
100.0
23,338
100.0
Cement
block/stone
Anuradhapura
percentage(%)
Vavuniya
percentage(%)
Mannar
percentage(%)
Principal material of construction of wall,2012
Brick
District
Table 3. 17 Housing Units by Principal Material of Wall, 2011
202,879
89.1
16,238
39.7
398
1.7
6,395
2.8
14,373
35.1
16,728
71.7
496
0.2
142
0.3
196
0.8
1,963
0.9
281
0.7
18
0.1
14,859
6.5
5,428
13.3
763
3.3
458
0.2
1,362
3.3
4,001
17.1
402
0.2
2,854
7.0
1,149
4.9
146
0.1
216
0.5
85
0.4
Source: Department of Census and Statistics 2011
Page 33
Zink alluminium
sheet
Metal sheet
Kadjan/palmyrah/st
raw
Other
227,598
100.0
40,894
100.0
23,338
100.0
Concrete
Anuradhapura
%
Vavuniya
%
Mannar
%
Asbestos
District
Principal material of construction of roof
Tile
Table 3. 18 Housing Units by Principal Material of Roof,2011
110,199
48.4
11,649
28.5
13,386
57.4
94,347
41.5
12,483
30.5
2,149
9.2
2,742
1.2
1,654
4.0
228
1.0
3,180
1.4
450
1.1
320
1.4
13,053
5.7
9,654
23.6
4,606
19.7
3,914
1.7
4,494
11.0
2,534
10.9
163
0.1
510
1.2
115
0.5
Source: Department of Census and Statistics. 2011

Table 3. 19 Housing Units by Districts and Principal Source of Drinking Water, 2011
Well
Pipe
born
water
Other
District
Anuradhapura
Vavuniya
Mannar
Principal source of drinking

water
Protected well within
premises
Protected well outside
premises
Unprotected well
Tap within unit
Tap within premises but
outside unit
Tap outside premises
228304
41214
23783
51306
22.5
19632
47.6
5667
23.8
63130
27.7
8160
19.8
6549
27.5
8681
32167
16093
3.8
14.1
7.0
1587
783
1180
3.9
1.9
2.9
556
1187
3872
2.3
5.0
16.3
7585
3.3
1415
3.4
1212
5.1
Rural water supply project
35803
15.7
439
1.1
234
1.0
Tube well
Bowser
Bottled water
River/tank/stream/spring
5758
261
2394
5126
2.5
0.1
1.0
2.2
6974
105
854
85
16.9
0.3
2.1
0.2
1749
2530
46
181
7.4
10.6
0.2
0.8
Page 34
and other
Source. Department of Census and Statistics. 2011
Table 3. 20 Housing Units by Districts and Principal Type of Lighting, 2011
Electricity
Other
District
Anuradhapura
Vavuniya
Mannar
Principal type of lighting
228,304
41,214
23,783
Electricity-from national grid
190,428
83.4
28,692
69.6
13,810
58.1
Electricity-from rural hydro

power project
Kerosene
Solar power
Bio gas
Other
0.0
564
1.4
1,378
5.8
34,999
2,742
54
81
15.3
1.2
0.0
0.0
11,431
514
3
10
27.7
1.2
0.0
0.0
8131
407
8
49
34.2
1.7
0.0
0.2
Source: Department of Census and Statistics,2011

Table 3. 21 Housing Units by Districts and Toilet Facilities, 2011
Within
the unit
Outside
the unit
Other
District
Anuradhapura
Vavuniya
Mannar
Toilet facilities
228,304
41,214
23,783
Exclusively for the household
40,327
17.7
8,260
20.0
6,051
55.4
Sharing with another

household
Exclusively for the household
6,090
2.7
1,094
2.7
655
2.8
148,986
65.3
22,795
55.3
11,413
48.0
Sharing
with
another
household
No toilet but sharing with
another household
Common/public toilet
Not using a toilet
20,135
8.8
2,949
7.2
1,875
7.9
7,455
3.3
1,262
3.1
1,034
4.3
269
5,042
0.1
2.2
836
4,018
2.0
9.7
358
2,397
1.5
10.1
Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2011

As shown in the Table 3.22 nearly 60 % of the families under the influence if the proposed project falls
into the Anuradhapura District and the rest 40% in the Vavniyawa District. No family was identified in
or in the vicinity of the transmission line in the Mannar District main land at the time of survey in
Page 35
September. The distribution of those families by Divisional Secretariats and Gramaniladhari Divisions in
the two Districts are as mentioned in the Table 3.23 and 3.24 respectively.
Table 3. 22 Distribution of Families by District
District
Anuradhapura
Vavuniya
No. of Families
36
25
%
59.02
40.98
Total
61
100
Table 3. 23 Distribution of families by Divisional Secretariat

Divisional Secretariats within
the District
Anuradhapura
Medawachchiya
Mihinthale
Nuwaragam Platha East
Rambewa
Vavuniya
Total
No. of Families
2
8
5
15
6
25
61
3.28
13.11
8.2
24.59
9.83
40.98
100
Table 3. 24 Distribution of Families by Grama Niladhari Division

District
Divisional Secretariat
Grama Niladari Division
No. Families
Anuradhapura
Nuwaragam palath - East
Nelunkanniya
ThuriyanKulama
Keerikulama
Agirikanda
Kandaradiulweya
Paran Halmillewa
Mahakandarawa Track 2
Maradankulama
Ruwangama
Maha Kanadarawa
R.B. Track 1
Maha Kanadarawa
R.B. Track 2
Diviyaudabendawewa
Gonewa
Achchipuram
Alagalla
Kalmbakulam
Maharambaikulam
8
6
3
1
4
3
1
1
3
1
Medawachchiya
Mihinthale
Rambewa
Vavuniya
Vavuniya
1
1
3
1
1
1
3
Page 36
Pampaimadu
Punthoddam
Salmbaikulam
samalankulam
1
2
10
6
As shown in the Table 3.25 there are 250 members in the 61 families. Families with four or more
members account for 82% of total families. Female population represents 53.2% (Table 3.26). As the
age of the household members is concerned nearly 37% is below the age of 19 years and over 44% is in
between 20 and 49 years. Only 18% is over the age of 50 years. (Table 3.27), According to the Table
3.27, only 30% of family members are employed, whereas 26% is still school children. It is interesting
to report 36 % of unemployed and 7% of non schooling rate in these areas under consideration.(Table
3.28)
Table 3. 25 Distribution of Families by the Number of Family Members
No of Family
Members
No. of Families
Population
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Total
4
7
9
16
13
10
1
0
1
61
6.56
11.48
14.75
26.23
21.31
16.39
1.64
0.00
1.64
100.00
4
14
27
64
65
60
7
0
9
250
1.60
5.60
10.80
25.60
26.00
24.00
2.80
0.00
3.60
100.00
Table 3. 26 Distribution of population of families by gender

Gender
No. of People
Male
Female
Total
117
133
250
46.80
53.20
100.00
Table 3. 27 Distribution of population of families by Age

Age Category
No. of People
Below 9 years
10-19 years
20-29 years
37
56
39
14.80
22.40
15.60
Page 37
30-39 years
40-49 years
50-59 years
Above 60 years
Total
42
29
20
27
250
16.80
11.60
8.00
10.80
100.00
Table 3. 28 Distribution of members of families by work and Education

Work or Education
No. of People
Employed
Un Employed
Schooling
Non-Schooling
Total
75
91
65
19
250
30.00
36.40
26.00
7.60
100.00
Land Possession
The Table 3.29 on land possession of the households reveals an important factor that deserves due attention of
the proposed project. That is the very low quantity of lands belongs to majority of families. For over 74% of
families the quantity of land ranged between 0.5 Acre and 1.0 Acre. Another 10.67% of families live in lands less
than 2.0 Acre in quantity (Table 3.29). The nature of land ownership is as shown in the table 3.30. Accordingly
72.3% of households claimed private ownership for their lands whereas 8.2% of households were on leased
lands. Only 6.5 % are in state land as mentioned by them.
Table 3. 29 Distribution of families by the quantity of land possession
Quantity of land
No .of families
Less land 0.5 Acer

0.5 Acer 1.0 Acer
1.0 Acer 2.0 Acer
Above 2.0 Acer
Total
22
23
12
4
61
36.07
37.71
19.67
6.55
100.00
Table 3. 30 Distribution of families by the nature of land ownership

Land Ownership
No. of families
Private Land
Lease Land
Government Land
Other
Total
44
5
4
8
61
72.13
8.20
6.56
13.11
100.00
Residence
Page 38
All the families responded to have permanent residences in their lands of current occupation. The period of
residence is, over 10 years for 69% families and and the rest have been in those residences for 10 years or less.
(Table 3.31) Except 3 (4.9%) family living in wattle and daub houses, all the families possess permanent houses
but with limited space (Table.3.32). The floor area of houses is less than 500 square feet for 55% of families and
18% of families have a floor area that ranges between 501and 1000 Sq.feet. Only 11% of families responded to
have floor areas over 1000 square feet (Table 3.33). Additional building are available only for 46%% of families in
their residential lands.(Table 3.34)
Table 3. 31 Distribution of family by the period of residence
Period of residency
No. of families
New
Below 10 years
Year 10-20
Year 20-30
More than 30
From Birth
Not yet
No Response
Total
5
14
5
12
4
13
2
6
61
8.20
22.95
8.20
19.67
6.55
21.31
3.28
9.84
100.00
Table 3. 32 Distribution of families by the condition of the house

Condition of house
No. of families
Permanent building in
54
88.52
Good Condition
Wattle and daub house
3
4.92
Constructing
4
6.56
Total
61
100.00
Table 3. 33 Distribution of families by the quantity of floor area
Square Feats of the floor
No. of families
< 500
501-1000
1001-2000
>2001
No Response
Total
34
11
7
1
8
61
55.74
18.03
11.48
1.64
13.11
100.00
Table 3. 34 Availability of the other building situated in the household lands

Building
No. of families
No any other building

Other buildings
33
28
54.10
45.90
Page 39
Total
61
100.00
Use of mass media and IT

Being the most popular electronic media, television is available for 73.77% of the families (Table 3.35) Radio sets
are used by 62.3% of respondents (Table 3.36). Though 73.7% of families possesses television sets, only 59% of
them have erected antennas. Most of the families (66%) have fixed them outside the house, whereas 33.3%
have fixed them over the roof of the house. (Table 3.37 and Table 3.38) The mean height of the antenna is 12.5
feet and the maximum height being 10 feet. (Table 3.39)
Table 3. 35 Distribution of families by the use of television set
Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
45
16
61
73.77
26.23
100.00
Table 3. 36 Distribution of families by the use of radio set

Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
38
23
61
62.30
37.70
100.00
Table 3. 37 Distribution of families by the use of antenna

Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
36
25
61
59.02
40.98
100.00
Table 3. 38 Distribution of families by the place where the antenna is fixed

Place
No. of families
On the roof
On the land
12
24
33.33
66.67
Total
36
100.00
Table 3. 39 Height of the antenna

Height of the antenna
Feet
Mean Height
Maximum height
10.03 feet
25 feet
Page 40
Domestic Industries
As the domestic industries are concerned, only 9.84% of families reported to have such industries (Table 3.40).
They were confined to brick, broom and poultry.
Table 3. 40 Distribution of families by the availability of domestic industries
Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
6
55
61
9.84
90.16
100.00
Occupation of householders
The information given in the Table 3.41 and 3.42 shows the types of occupation and the number of
householders involved in them. State sector permanent employees represent only 26% of householders. Over
24% are farmers. Small scale businesses are conducted by 13% of families. As a whole, 55% responded to be self
employed.
Table 3. 41 Distribution of families by the occupation of householder
Occupation
No. of families
Farming/ Agriculture
Meson/ Carpenter/ Driver
Casual work
Small Business
Security/ Police/ Army
Government Officer/ Teacher
Private Sector
No Occupation/Retired
Not mentioned
Total
15
2
15
8
10
3
1
3
4
61
24.59
3.28
24.59
13.11
16.39
4.92
1.64
4.92
6.56
100.00
Table 3. 42 Distribution of families by the occupation Category of householder

Occupation Category
No. of families
Permanent Government Job

Temporary Government Job
Permanent Privet sector Job
Self Employment
Retired
Not mentioned
Total
16
2
2
34
1
6
61
26.23
3.28
3.28
55.74
1.63
9.84
100.00
Page 41
Economic Status of residents

Income of the family is a good indicator of the economic status of people. The level of income as revealed by the
respondents is shown in the Table 3.43. For over 65% of families the monthly income ranged between Rs. 5000
and 25000. Over 16% of families enjoy an income that ranged between Rs 25000 and 50000 per month. As
income is a sensitive factor for people, some refrained from revealing it. In the present study 12 families (19.7%)
remained silent without responding to the question of their monthly income. (Table.3.43) Only 15 % enjoys
income from their home gardens. (Table.3.44). Values of their lands as estimated by the householders are as
given in the Table.3.45. Over 60% of householders are not aware of the exact value of their lands.
Table 3. 43 Distribution of families by the level of monthly income
Income range
No. of families
Below Rs. 5000

Rs. 5001-15000
Rs. 15001-25000
Rs. 25001-50000
Not Fixed
No Response
Total
6
21
12
9
1
12
61
9.84
34.43
19.68
14.75
1.63
19.67
100.00
Table 3. 44 Distribution of families by the availability of income from home gardens

Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
9
52
61
14.75
85.25
100.00
Table 3. 45 Distribution of families by the land value

Response
No. of families
Below Rs. 1,000,000

Above Rs. 1,000,000
Dont Know
Total
11
13
37
61
18.03
21.31
60.66
100.00
Future plans for construction

Questioned about plans for any future construction in their residential lands, only 42.62% responded
affirmative. The rest majority had no such plans at the time of survey (Table 3.46). All the future plans are for
the construction and expansion of dwellings for the use of families.
Page 42
Table 3. 46 Distribution of families by future plan for construction

Response
No. of families
Yes
No
Total
26
35
61
42.62
57.38
100.00
Cultivations
As responded by the householders most of the lands belong to them are cultivated, only 11% has no cultivation
in their lands. (Table.3.47). As the type of trees are concerned 57% of 1374 trees counted in home gardens are
coconut and the second largest category is teak accounting for 23 %. Mango occupies the third place with 9 %.(
Table. 3.48). These three types of trees are of economic importance of food and timber. Only 37.7% had other
cultivations such as vegetable and fruit.( Table. 3.49). Paddy is cultivated by the time of survey by 46% of
householders. (Table 3.50)
Table 3. 47 Distribution of families by the land use
Land
No. of families
Cultivated Land
Not Cultivated Land
Total
54
7
61
88.52
11.48
100.00
Table 3. 48 Distribution of type of trees grown in home gardens

Name
No of trees
Coconut
Teaks
Mango
Jack
Margosa
Palmyra
Other
Total
783
316
125
27
55
16
52
1374
56.99
23.00
9.10
1.97
4.00
1.16
3.78
100.00
Table 3. 49 Distribution of families by other cultivation

Other cultivations
No. of families
yes
No
Total
23
38
61
37.70
62.30
100.00
Table 3. 50 Distribution of families by paddy cultivation

Paddy cultivations
No. of families
Page 43
yes
No
Total
28
33
61
45.90
54.10
100.00
Peoples opinion on the project

The survey focused its attention to learn about peoples opinion on the proposed power project and it reveals
mixed responses. Whereas, 21% of families expressed their opposition to it, a larger number (72%) accepts the
project. Four families (6%) are on the fence being unable to have a proper calculation of the project. (Table 3.51)
Those who opposed the project also responded giving reasons for their stand. Over 21% of negative
respondents are highly concerned with the problem of decreasing economic value of their land and properties
caused by the power projects. They are also concerned with the threat posed by the transmission line to the
safety of their lives. They shared a fear of thunder strikes on those residing in the vicinity. The negative impact
on the existing income was also raised by four families. They were afraid of losing their current income.
Table 3. 51 Distribution of families by preference for proposed power line
Response
No. of families
positive
Negative
No Response
Total
44
13
4
61
72.13
21.31
6.56
100.00
Development projects (proposed/ongoing) in the study area including 400kV HVDC

transmission line project, proposed township developments, domestic airports, air bases etc.
India Sri Lanka Electricity Grid Interconnection has been considered by both countries as a viable option in
dealing with ever increasing energy demand in the region. This kind of cross-border link will help to make the
best use of its diverse and unevenly distributed energy resources. South Asias first-ever high voltage direct
current (HVDC) interconnection from India to Bangladesh has been commissioned in October 2013. Indo Sri
Lanka HVDC interconnection project is also in pipeline awaiting funds.
Sri Lanka Air Force Base and air strip is located about 4 km from Anuradhapura, which was extensively used in
war times, is now home to the No. 06 helicopter squadron. Originating point of proposed transmission line, New
Anuradhapura GSS is located about 2.5 km away from the air strip. Line route travels away from the air strip
fully eliminating interference with flight paths.
Large number of development projects are waiting in North and Eastern provinces to be launched in post war
era including railway and road construction, resettlement and tourism. Impacts to road and rail network are
mentioned in Section 4.4. Parayanalankulam junction where A14 and A30 roads meet is planned to be
developed as a new township with commercial and residential areas. To allow anticipated expansions, proposed
line is deviated 1km away from the junction.
Page 44
3.6. Archaeology
Archaeological/historical sites located in the study area
The project is to be implemented in three districts well known for places and objects of historical and
archaeological significance of the country. As the historical sources reveals, thousands of overt and covert
archaeologically important places exist in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar districts. As Anuradhapura is the
first ancient capital of Sinhala civilization, most of the places are found with archeological significance. It is one
of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
which is also declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mihintale temple and rock is the most important
historical place in the vicinity of proposed line. But line traverses about 2.5km away from it keeping physical and
visual impacts to minimum possible level.
Issenbessagala Purana Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya is another important religious place along A9 road beyond
Medawachchiya. Historical records reveal its existence from long time even before Buddhist civilization of the
Island
Mannar is a predominantly Catholic Christian area. There was equal amount of Muslim population and a few
Sinhalese before 1990. Thiruketheeswaram is an ancient Hindu temple in Mannar, one of the most sacred places
for hindu devotees throughout its history. The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is an ancient Roman Catholic Church
located near Murunkan in Mannar district of Sri Lanka. With a history of over centuries, this shrine acts as a
center for pilgrimage and worship for Sri Lankan Catholics. The site is considered as the holiest Catholic shrine in
the island and is a well known place of devotion for both Tamil and Sinhalese Catholics alike.
Page 45
4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
4.1. Hydrology and water quality
Impacts of tower construction activities and temporary road construction activities

on drainage & hydrological pattern of the surrounding area
Transmission towers are usually sited away from reservations of public streams and rivers. But, excavation for
tower footings and dewatering will affect local hydrological patterns in areas where water table is quite high.
However, it is very unlikely in dry zone where entire project area lies. 36.35 % of the line route traverses paddy
fields. Therefore large number of towers may be spotted on paddy fields. Stockpiling of excavated materials may
interfere with drainage paths. In some cases it may require construction of access roads over paddy fields.
Aruvi Aru and several irrigation canals are in the vicinity of the transmission line in the Mannar district section.
All waterways in this dry zone area are characterized with rich riverine vegetation. Large trees may need to cut
along the line corridor, but line route is carefully selected to minimize the damage to natural vegetation.
Impacts on canals, other irrigation structures and water bodies
Since agriculture of the project area mainly depends on irrigated water, large number of irrigation tanks, canals
and structures exist along the vicinity of line route. Proposed line route crosses many irrigation tanks along its
course. Nevertheless, no angle towers are located within tank full supply area of any tank. All the efforts will be
taken to avoid spotting suspension towers within tank full supply area. Project activities during construction
phase may create temporary impacts to the existing drainage system in the area including irrigation canals,
natural flow paths, and also the concrete lined/ earthen drain. Thus, it may create temporary inundation closer
to the above locations during rainy season. Various mitigation measures to minimize anticipated impact due to
obstruction of natural flow paths and existing drainage are listed in the following chapter.
Impacts on surface water quality
Proposed line route mainly runs through flat lands like paddy fields, chena and shrubs. Only few isolated hills are
encountered along the line. Therefore most towers are spotted in flat lands. Hence soil erosion triggered by
exposed soils in slopes is very unlikely to occur. When towers are located close to water bodies, runoff over
exposed soils may cause sediment accumulation in water bodies. But towers are always located away from river
reservation and full supply area of irrigation tanks.
If labor camps are situated close to waterway, sanitary waste may cause surface water pollution. But scattered
nature of construction and shorter time may not require large scale labor camps.
4.2. Noise/Acoustic Impacts
Noise and acoustic impacts that may be generated during construction/operations

period
Page 46
Noise impacts of a transmission line projects are mostly limited to the construction phase only. Main impacts
are the noise generated from the machinery used for excavation, concrete mixing, earthworks and trucks used
for transport of earth, switchyard equipment (transformers, breakers) and other construction materials. This
noise may have temporary affected the residents living closer to the three GSS sites and closer to tower
locations, and any access road leading to above. Also, the noise generated from the pile driving (if piling
becomes necessary) in the tower foundations will create a significant noise impact, but will be limited to
intermittent shorter spells within average of 1-2 months for each tower foundation where piling is necessary.
4.3. Ecological Impacts
Impacts on fauna and flora or on existing habitats due to changes in land use pattern
The transmission line traverses through many habitat types and their extents as a % of the total length in the
descending order is paddy (36.35%)> Open scrublands (25.31%)>forests (14.18%)>home gardens (9.53%)> chena
(7.84%) and other (6.8%). The faunal diversity observed in these habitats was much higher than that of the floral
diversity. With regard to the floral diversity, home gardens recorded the highest (53%) followed by open
scrublands (22%), paddy (19.58%), forests (11.54%) chena lands (7.21%) and then the tanks (6.7%). When
considering the occurrence of the floral species with high conservation status, homegardens rated most as there
were one endemic (Walidda antidysenterica Idda), one endangered (Mitragyna tubulosa), one near
threatened (Salvadora persica Maliththan) and one vulnerable (Cycas nathorstii Madu gas). Salvadora
persica Maliththan is also seen in open scrublands and chena cultivations. Therefore with regard to the loss of
flora species with high conservation status the impact on homegardens can be rated highest based on the
biodiversity as well as the species with high conservation status.
With regards to the fauna, highest biodiversity was observed in homegardens (22.8%) followed by chena lands
(19.22%), open scrublands (16.44%), paddy lands (15.27%), forests (12.89%) tank associated vegetation (10.46%)
and then other plantations (4.44%). When occurrence of species with high conservation status was considered,
homegardens rates the highest having 1 critically endangered species, 4 vulnerable species and 3 endemic
species. The next highest is the forests where one endangered species, one endemic species and two vulnerable
species occur. Three near threatened species also occur in tank associated vegetation while one critically
endangered species and two endemic species occur in chena lands. In both paddy lands and other cultivations a
vulnerable species each occurred. Therefore with regards to fauna homegardens rated the highest with regard
to the impact from the Project. The critically endangered species Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 (Rock Pigeon) was
observed in more than one habitats in the project area i.e. homegardens, open scrublands and chena lands. The
endemic species Lankascincus fallax - Common Supple which is a reptile is also seen in homegardens and chena
lands too. Most of the other species with high conservation status is also seen in more than one habitats except
for the dragonfly Trithemis festiva (Indigo Dropwing), the butterfly Virachola perse Hewitson, 1863 (Large Guava
Blue) and endemic birds Appias galane (Sri Lanka Lesser albatross), Ocyceros gingalensis (Shaw, 1811) Sri
Lanka Grey Hornbill and migratory near threatened bird Limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758) Black tiled Godwin
which are seen only one habitat type.
Impacts on existing habitats in and around the project site
Impacts to wetlands
Page 47
A good part of the transmission line traverses along or across paddy fields which are associated with wetlands.
They serve vital functions including storing runoff, regenerating groundwater, filtering sediments and pollutants,
and providing habitat for aquatic species and wildlife. The construction and maintenance of transmission lines
can damage wetlands in the following ways:
Heavy machinery can crush wetland vegetation and wetland soils.

Wetland soils, especially very peaty soils can be easily compacted, increasing runoff, blocking flows,
and greatly reducing the wetlands water holding capacity.
The construction of access roads can change the quantity or direction of water flow, causing
permanent damage to wetland soils and vegetation.
Construction and maintenance equipment that crosses wetlands can stir up sediments, endangering
fish and other aquatic life.
Clearing forested wetlands can expose the wetland to invasive and shrubby plants, thus removing
habitat for species in the forest interior. Vehicles and construction equipment can introduce exotic
plant species.
Any of these activities can impair or limit wetland functions. Organic soils consist of layers of decomposed plant
material that formed very slowly. Disturbed wetland soils are not easily repaired. Severe soil disturbances may
permanently alter wetland hydrology. A secondary affect of disturbance is the opportunistic spread of invasive
weedy species. These invasive species provide little food and habitat for wildlife.
Impacts on forests
The Impact on the forests will be due to the felling of the trees which are more than 3m high. However, the
forests in the project area are mostly open scrublands (Open and Sparse Forests) with a small portion of dry
mixed evergreen forests interspersed with them. Further, a fair number of Teak trees in the Mihintale Forest
Reserve will have to be removed as the transmission line goes across it. As the condition of these trees are
rather sub optimal due to lack of management the impact of removal is less than what it would have been if the
plantation is in good condition. However, this impact needs to be mitigated suitably with a win-win solution.
Impacts on agriculture
Paddy
The transmission line traverses major part of its route along paddy fields. Due to the absence of a tree cover it is
not required to remove trees. However, especially during the construction period, there would be much
disturbance for the erection of the towers. As about 10-15 perch area has to be excavated up to a depth of 3m
to construct the tower foundation this will disturb the soil much and also disrupt the irrigation canals and thus
reducing their capacity and flow rate. It also encourages weed infestation. During the construction the farm
operations has to be stopped. Any wind breaks that are present around the paddy fields if it coincides with the
35m buffer area has to be removed. During the tower construction, accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants, and
detergents may occur due to plant and machinery breakdowns and carelessness of workers. Even moderate
scale spills can impact on the paddy and the surrounding low line soils and associated surface water bodies. If
these pollutants move into streams, rivers, lagoons, or ponds even the ground water can get contaminated.
Water plants and fish can also be affected. The use of cement in concrete work can cause cement slag to pollute
surface water.
Page 48
Further, even during the operational period, the presence of towers and power lines on top will hinder the use
of agricultural equipments in farming (e.g. combined harvester).
Home gardens
About 43 ha of home gardens will be directly affected along the transmission line route. These gardens comprise
of a mixture of trees and crops which provides multitudes of needs to the home gardener i.e. timber, small
wood, fuel wood, fruits, food and medicine. As it is required to clear 35 m width of the area from vegetation
especially those which are more than 3m in height or those which has potential to grow more than 3m the a
good part of the vegetation will be lost to the home gardener who will lose cash income as well as security from
food, timber and other essential goods. For the houses which are having small extents of the area available for
cultivation will be greatly limited. The loss of these valuable crops needs to be adequately compensated.
Although it is allowed to grow crops with short statures, people do not like to work under these lines due to
safety reasons.
Impacts on migratory patterns of fauna in the region
Asian elephant is the main migratory mammal seen in the project areas especially in the forest areas. They are
especially seen in areas associated with the Mihintale Sanctuary and also Madhu Road Sanctuary. During the
construction of the transmission line their normal behavioral patterns will be adversely affected due to
disturbance but when the line is in operation it is expected that this impact will be much reduced.
The migratory bird Black Tailed Godwin (Limosa limosa (Linnaeus, 1758) was seen in habitats associated with the
tanks. The extent of tank vegetation that will be affected by the project is very small and therefore this cannot
be considered a very significant impact although the significance of the impact will be high during construction
phase due to disturbance. The existence of the transmission line will also be a hindrance to the free movement
of birds including the migrant ones.
4.4. Socio-Economic Impacts
Public safety
Safety of people
The proposed transmission line carrying 132 kV runs over an area that is under the cultivation of paddy, and
other crops of home gardens and protected lands of Wild Life and Forest Departments. The line route is
characterized with limited human activities, movements, and settlements with lower population density as
mentioned in the population analysis. As the area under consideration is coming under the post-war
development programs of the state, the project has to pay special attention to the safety of people in the short
and long run of the project activities, as the potential harm on the life and well-being of the residents cannot be
ignored in an expedited development process.
Those live in the households, work in the lands and cultivations and move in the areas and roads over which the
power line runs are the people directly or indirectly exposed to any potential negative impact. There are 61
families with 250 members residing in or in the vicinity of the power line route apart from people who work and
move in the same area under the project. As the household members are concerned, over 38% are below the
age of 19 years and 10% are over 60 years of age who deserve special attention with reference to safety under
any project activity.
Page 49
As high-voltage lines are having an arc across an air gap they may have a lethal impact on people working or
moving very close to such transmission lines even without any physical contact. As the transmission line runs
over home gardens and paddy fields, people living and working in those areas have to take precautionary
measures to protect themselves keeping the maximum distance over 15-17 feet between themselves/ objects in
their hands or physical contact and the power line. In particular, farmers using modern harvesting and other
equipments have to be ever conscious about the precautionary measures.
Danger of fallen lines
With all the technical and other safety measures taken by the project, still one cannot hundred percent assure
the smooth functioning of the systems as unexpected natural or anthropogenic incidence might cause severe
damage to towers, lines and grid stations.
Peoples fear of transmission lines
Transmission line with high-voltage causes fear among people living in or in the vicinity of the line route. People
in the area expressed their views and attitudes towards transmission line with special emphasis on the negative
impact on their physical well-being. They believed that high tension power lines cause disabilities and diseases in
human beings living in the close vicinity of such lines. Cancer and skin diseases were cited as dangerous impacts
of power lines.
Another strong belief among people was that transmission lines and towers connected to them attract thunder
strikes and thereby endanger the lives of people. They also had the fear of spreading the fire emanating from
the thunder caused ignition in transmission lines.
Potential relocation of people
The project does not cause any dramatic change in the population in the short run, but improved power supply
may attract people by the sparsely populated Vavuniya and Mannar Districts in the years to come. As the
transmission line has been designed with special emphasis on minimum impact on human settlement, it causes
no relocation of households living in or in the vicinity of its route course. There are 61 families living in or in the
vicinity of the line route and those residents have to continue their use of existing housing facilities under
indispensable precautionary measures and conditions pertaining to the expansion and reconstruction of them in
the future.
Potential interference to electrical/electronic equipment
Peoples perception towards certain scientific realities is build under the influence of local culture,
awareness and traditional belief. It is always important to understand the socially constructed reality
parallel to scientific reality. Although it is assured that no threat of lightening can occur due to a high
voltage transmission line, the average people are of the opinion that they may subject to threat of
lightening. The electrical transmission line that stretches is found to be mental disturbance for the people
who live beneath it. They believe that the transmission line would cause some sort of electrical or
lightening risk at any time to their properties or their health. This can be a psychological stress for these
people. Whatever, scientific argument and explanation is put forwarded with regard to lightening and other
Page 50
electrical impact of transmission line, people seriously believe that the proposed line will cause more threat
and damage to them and their electrical appliances such refrigerator, television, and audio players due to
lightening.
Impact on agriculture/plantations and existing land use of the area
Impact on the land use pattern

As shown in the Table 4.1, 8.26% of the line length of Vavuniya - Mannar traverses over protected land of Wild
Life department and the Forest department. Only 10.51% runs over home gardens and 40% over paddy lands.
Chena cultivations are crossed for 4.5% 0f the line length. As the Anuradhapura Vavuniya line length is
concerned 38.5% and 11.7 % traverses over Paddy lands and Chena cultivations respectively. Over 8% runs over
home gardens. 43% of the line runs over shrubs. (Table 4.2)
Table 4. 1 Land usage of proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Mannar to Vavunia
Land Usage
Percentage (%)
Protected areas under wildlife department

Protected areas under forest department
Other Plantation
Home Garden
Shrub
Chena
Paddy
Tanks
6.05
2.21
13.73
2.88
10.51
14.23
4.57
40.64
5.24
Table 4. 2 Land usage of Proposed 132kV Transmission Line Project form Anuradhapura to Vavunia
Land Usage
Percentage (%)

Other Plantation
Home Garden
Shrub
Chena
Paddy
Rock
Tanks
5.03
2.34
8.38
38.45
11.71
31.25
0.82
2.03
Paddy lands
The proposed transmission line traverses for considerable portion of its total length over paddy fields (Table 4.1
and Table 4.2). Selection of this line route over paddy lands avoids a serious impact on residential areas and
plantations with high grown crops such as Teak etc. However one cannot ignore its impact on the paddy fields
Page 51
including the irrigation systems and the people working on them. The use of paddy lands for the construction of
supportive towers would not cause considerable reduction of paddy lands available for cultivation as farmers
could cultivate the area under the towers leaving only the tower bases.
The construction phase of the power line over the paddy field definitely keep the line route, access roads and
tower bases out of cultivation and the construction activities may also disturbs the irrigation system leaving the
adjacent paddy land out of cultivation for a considerable period of time depending on the completion of the
project. Any disturbance to the irrigation system may cause inundation over a vast area of paddy lands causing
damage to cultivations. Existing access roads and newly constructed access roads for the transportation of
materials are needed to be turned back to their original condition so that they may not cause unanticipated
negative impacts.
Plantations
Nearly 2% of its length, the transmission line runs over plantations of teak and other cultivations and the project
requires the high grown trees to be removed completely. This requirement would cause a considerable lost to
the owners of the lands of those cultivations. Furthermore, the conditions imposed preventing the cultivation of
high grown trees would compel the owners to change their pattern of land use. The impact of land clearance for
the construction and maintenance of the power line, results in reducing the income that people earn from their
home gardens, and other cultivations. It should not be taken for granted as most of people economically
depend on the income of their home gardens, paddy and other cultivations for meeting the basic needs. Over
45% of the 61households under consideration earn Rs. 15000 or less than that per month and such clearance of
land may have an economic impact on them.
Home gardens
The construction of transmission line affects considerable portion of home gardens over which the line traverses
for 37.7 of its total length. As the 52 households are concerned 65.4 % of them possess home gardens less than
0.25 acre in quantity and they have the face the total removal of high grown trees in those small plots of lands.
The project requires to clear 35m width of the area removing all trees grown or growing more than 3m in height.
The project requirements prevent all the 52 householders and other land owners from using the line route for
the cultivation trees growing over 3m .The householders were highly concerned about the loss of their home
garden crops and its economic impact on the family budget as such products ease their economic hardship.
Removal of Jack and coconut trees from home gardens has a serious impact on families depending on them for
meeting the basic needs.
Other socio-economic impacts/benefits if any
Limitations of the construction of buildings

The people of the affected area are highly concerned about the traversing of power line over their buildings and
the inevitable ceiling on the height of constructions imposed by the project. Nearly 10% of the households have
future plans of construction. However all expressed their apprehension about the negative impact of the power
line on their safety and future use of their lands for constructions. Construction of tower bases in small plots of
lands will further reduce the quantity of land area available human use if such lands are selected.
Degrading of land and property values
Page 52
People in the areas of urban and suburban in Vavuniya to be affected by the project were dissatisfied with an
anticipated impact of decreasing land and property values as a result of the restrictions accompanied by the
project. They anticipated a considerable decrease in land price after project implementation. The symbolic value
of lands, properties, and cultivations are higher than their real value as people assign various cultural meanings
to them on the ground of inheritance, memories, and emotional attachments. Any negative impacts on such
properties are deeply felt by the owners as their lives are interwoven with them.
Improvement of electricity supply and development
In particular, the war stricken districts of Vavuniya and Mannar are coming under the rapid socio-economic
development and continued supply of electricity is an indispensable infrastructure facility various development
programs. It will facilitate the resettlement of people affected by the war and opening of new industries and
business along with the agricultural and domestic productions. With the construction of the new transmission
line, number of current issues in electricity supply to surrounding areas will be resolved. This will respond to low
voltage problems encountered and improve the reliability of electricity supply to consumers of the said areas.
On the other hand, this project will reduce distribution losses and improve overall efficiency of the network.
Impact on the human elephant conflict
As the proposed transmission line has been designed to run through forest lands for a considerable portion of its
line length ( Table 4.1 and Table. 4.2) a new and wider pathway for animals movements will come to exist as a
result of clearing the line route for construction and maintaining it in the whole course of operation after the
construction. The project requires new access roars and cleared lands for construction purposes such as
transportation of materials and storage of them in addition to work camps. Such land clearance and accesses
may pave new ways for elephants and other animals movements in the forest area and even towards human
settlements. Unless proper precautionary actions are taken, such elephants movements may escalate the
existing human elephant conflict into dangerous proportions. Even the increased movements of other animals
towards villages and cultivations of paddy and other crops would result in severe destructions paddy and other
harvests. Eventually the people may find it difficult to continue their settlements combined with agricultural
means of sustenance
Impacts on existing infrastructure such as railway, roads tanks etc.
Proposed line route crosses number of existing roads, highways and railway lines.
Table 4. 3 Road and Railway crossings
Route
Number
Highway
A 13
A 12
A 09
B 282
Road Name
Crossing Location
Galkulama - Anuradhapura
Puttalam - Trincomalee
Kandy - Jaffna
Medawachchiya Horowopotana
Kawarakkulama
Mihintale
Maradankulama
Medawachchiya
Page 53
B 283
A 29
B 442
A 09
A 30
Medawachchiya - Kebitigollewa
Vavuniya - Horowopotana
Velikulam - Mamaduwa
Kandy - Jaffna
Vavuniya - Parayanalankulam
B 378
A 14
B 403
Puliyadi Irakkamam - Madu

Medawachchiya - Mannar - Talaimannar
Uilankulama Nanaddan
Maha Divulwewa
Madukanda
Nedunkulama Near Vavuniya GSS
Thandikulam
Kurukkalputhukullam and
Parayanalankulam
Near Madhu road entrance
Katkadanthakulam
Ilantaimoddai
Mihintale Line
Northern Main Line
Mannar Line
Mihintale
Thandikulam
Madhu Road
Railway
1
8
Due to sagging of conductors, ground clearance will become least in the middle span of two adjacent towers,
which will compromise the usability of the road. In road or rail crossing, CEB will use extended towers to
maintain minimum vertical safety clearance above road surface. Any line crossing with road corridor will be
constructed with adherence to technical specifications and RDA guidelines. As per the usual practice, it is known
that minimum clearance stipulated by CEB is well above the value recommended by RDA. In case of any
interference with other utilities such as telecommunication and water supply, CEB wishes to follow best practice
guidelines.
As an additional measure of safety, CEB will construct cradle guards above railway lines where transmission line
crosses with. CEB will strictly follow specifications and recommendations of Department of Railway during the
placement of cradle guards.
Impacts on other proposed or planned government/private sector development activities in

the vicinity
There are number of large scale development activities are in progress in the project area planned for post war
period. To allow new township development in Parayanalankulam, line was deviated 1km away from the
junction. General development activities such as construction of houses and business premise are anticipated in
project area. If such building is constructed under the transmission line or even building approval has been
received from local authority, CEB will maintain relevant safety clearance.
Proposed HVDC Indo Sri Lanka interconnection is another large scale development project of similar nature is
to be started once funding requirement is satisfied. As its line route is already selected and visited by CEA and
scoping committee members, this new line route is carefully selected without interfering with HVDC line route.
Reconstruction of Mannar railway line is currently in progress. Proposed transmission line crosses railway track
beyond Madhu Road railway station. Necessary safety precautions such as construction of cradle guards will be
taken in collaboration with Railway Department.
Page 54
4.5. Archaeological Impacts
Impacts on archaeologically/historically important sites
As already mentioned in section 3.6, entire project area is well known for places and objects of historical and
archaeological significance. Large number of archaeologically important places exists in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya
and Mannar districts. The project requirement of constructing tower bases for supportive towers of the
transmission line, the construction of access roads and grid stations may cause serious damage to a place or
object of archaeological significance unless proper measures are taken to prevent such negative impacts. It is
highly emphasized that the probability of finding new archaeological sites and objects remains at higher level in
all the three Districts.
Department of Archeology has been duly informed about the proposed project and its representative is in the
scoping committee. During profile survey, it is ensured that the proposed route of transmission line does not
affect any places of worship or other similar archeological sites. The project staff will be conscious about the
possibility of unearthing such places along the project route, which would be informed to the Department of
Archeology promptly for their advice.
4.6. Visual Impacts
Visual impact on historical sites and sites of scenic beauty
Proposed line mostly traverses along paddy fields away from places of scenic beauty and mountains. Hence not
much impairment of environmental aesthetics and/or formation of hill scars are anticipated. But in doing so, the
countryside scenery has been affected to some extent. The form, color, or texture of a line can be modified to
minimize aesthetic impacts. The color and construction material of towers can be chosen to blend with or
complement the landscape around them.
When it comes to archaeological, historical and culturally important sites in the proposed project area, there are
significant religious places especially in Mihintale and Issenbassagala. But line traverses about considerably away
from said places keeping physical and visual impacts to minimum possible level.
In addition to the above, following measures also can be done by way of mitigation
Limit cutting and filling to maintain an aesthetic appearance.

Attend to required earthworks for partial restoration
Avoid water stagnation unless ponds, with fish are part of the overall landscape.
Initially plant quick growing cover crop in areas to be restored
Follow up with shrubs creepers, and tree species as appropriate to the particular agro climatic
zone
4.7. Safety and Security
State briefly the structural safety of the transformers and transmission lines
Page 55
Towers and other structural elements are designed with significant factor of safety against all loads that it will
likely to subject during its lifetime. Occurrences of structural failure or fallen lines are very rare in Sri Lanka. With
all the technical and other safety measures taken by the project, still one cannot hundred percent assure the
smooth functioning of the systems as unexpected natural or anthropogenic incidence might cause severe
damage to towers, lines and grid stations.
In case of fallen line, transmission line will be switched off from the grid substation. All transmission lines in Sri
Lanka are equipped with maximum protection system to avoid damages if any line is broken. Three stage
tripping mechanism is in place with all new transmission lines constructed. Therefore incidence of electrocution
is totally eliminated.
State briefly lightning protection provided to any component of the project and
describe and potential hazards due to erection of all structures (transmission towers
lines etc.)
Power poles and towers, trees and other tall objects are more likely to intercept lightning strikes. Transmission
lines are therefore usually built with two grounded shield wires at the top of the poles. This protects the
transmission line from lightning. Any lightening attack will be absorbed by earth wires and safely grounded
through the tower. Lightning is not likely to strike houses or cars near the transmission line. Shorter objects
under or very near a line may actually receive some protection from lightning.
Provide proposed precautionary measures/safeguards:

a) for workers
Construction related hazards are the most common accidents that could occur and varying in nature. All
possible measures are taken to avoid and minimize damage due to accidents. Contractor shall take proper safety
measures (placing warning tapes around excavations) to avoid people/ children accidentally falling into
excavations. Jobs that involve working in high elevations such as tower erection and stringing will be carried out
with special care with well trained skilled workers.
CEB ensures the operation & maintenance staff working in the components of the project are well trained and
educated in the in the hazards relating to health and safety of their duties, and that of the public in the project
area. The operation and maintenance plan will include the hazard prevention and safety plan, which will address
health and safety of the workers and people in the project area.
b) for communities in the neighborhood:

When working near high-voltage transmission lines, electrical contact can occur even if direct physical contact is
not made because electricity can arc across an air gap. As a general precaution, no one should be allowed within
4m of high-voltage electric line. Individuals with specific concerns about operating vehicles or farm equipments
near transmission lines should be cautious. In case of houses, road crossings and paddy fields, CEB will maintain
necessary safety clearance stipulated by specifications.
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c) For the surrounding environment to be taken in the event of any possible

accidents, or hazards.
Although transmission lines are designed with adequate safety factors to withstand wind forces, in event of
extreme whether event such as a tornado towers may fail. As mentioned earlier, transmission lines are designed
with proper protection equipment, so that power would trip out of service (turn off), if they fall or contact trees.
Page 57
5. MITIGATORY ACTIONS
Mitigation of ecological impacts
Paddy fields are the main farmlands traversed by the line corridor, and paddy is allowed to be continued to grow
along the line corridor and even under the towers itself. The timing of the construction activities in the paddy
fields would be adjusted as far as practicable, to avoid the cultivating/ harvesting period.
In the home gardens which will be affected, only trees over 3m which are beneath the transmission line along
line corridor would be removed for which appropriate compensation would be paid to the land owners/tenants.
As stipulated in the Electricity Act, compensation for removed or pruned trees will be paid at a fair market rate
to the respective land owners based on tree type, its age and expected income from the tree. The assessment of
the value will be made by the Divisional Secretary. Cleared vegetation and any timber will be made available to
the land-owner for his own use, and will not be acquired or used by CEB or any other Government agency.
In case of Teak plantations in the Mihintale Forest Reserve, an assessment should be made on the number of
value of the trees that will be lost in collaboration with the Forest Department and compensation for the loss
should be made to the Forest Department. Alternatively, with the discussion with Forest Department, a similar
area/s of degraded forests can be enriched with project funds. A suitable location will be the Mihintale Forest
Reserve itself as it is in a rather degraded situation due to human interference. This will also help to find suitable
habitats for the species with high conservation status which will be lost due to the project. However, the Forest
Department also should take steps to reinstate its status as a Forest Reserve which will include the relocation of
the existing metal quarry which is located close to the Maradankulama Tank.
A large portion of the proposed line amounted to 36.35% is traversed on paddy fields, construction and
maintenance impacts to these wetland related lands are quite significant. Use of heavy machineries must be
minimized in wetlands as such activity can easily disrupt hydrological patterns and block waterways.
Construction of access roads on wetlands must be avoided to maximum possible extent. Remedial actions are to
be taken to reinstate paddy lands after damages due to excavation, access roads and machinery use.
Mitigation of Socio-economic impacts
Mitigation of socio-economic impacts is indispensable to assure the well-being of people to be affected by the
project, Even though the project has been designed with minimum impact on people and their properties, it is
further reiterated that the implementation phase should be carefully carried out so that the project may further
reduce the social impact identified in this report.
Above mentioned social impacts can be mitigated by means of making necessary changes in the current plan of
the project. The height of the transmission line should be increased to the required level or above for safety
clearances at places where it runs above buildings, public roads and railway lines and also at places where such a
requirement is well evident from the safety point of view. Suspension towers on the transmission line should be
shifted along the line route to the maximum extent so that they may bring about minimum impact on people
and their properties. Durable cradle guards above crossing points of railway tracts and also above places where
such a requirement is evident should be installed for additional safety so that any breakdown in the
transmission line may not affect the people and other means of transportation. The cradle guards should be
Page 58
strong enough to bear the heavy bundles of wires used for the transmission line. Preventive guards should be
installed around the towers to be erected in the human settlements to prevent childrens entrance to the
towers and climbing on it.
Even though the project is not causing any resettlement, the National Involuntary resettlement policy should be
strictly adhered to in case of any relocation of people and their properties (which is very unlikely as explained
earlier). In such cases the project should give the maximum benefit to the affected people.
Any damage to the properties and cultivations affected by the Project (including cutting/uprooting of the trees
in the transmission line corridor) has to be properly compensated, as per the provisions given under Electricity
Act No. 20 of 2009. As per the said Act, all the compensations have to be paid as per the assessment of relevant
Divisional Secretary. All such compensation should be estimated with special concern about the existing prices in
the market and estimated cost for recovering the damage.
Compensation for lands for the construction of suspension towers should be carried out within the legal
framework prescribed by the Electricity Act No 20 of 2009 and relevant other laws. For such lands/ properties, a
reasonable compensation is estimated based on the area of the land affected, considering the disability and/or
disturbance caused by the tower at land and property values in the current market should be paid to the
owners.
A comprehensive package of compensation had already been prepared by the Coconut Cultivation Board to the
land owners who are losing their coconut lands. However, for valuable trees located in home gardens such
package is not readily available although according to the Electricity Act advice is given to pay them at the price
valued by the Divisional Secretary of the area. However, if there is a national prescription for this based on the
current market prices, it would benefit all equally.
People should be made properly aware of the project, its national contribution and direct or indirect positive
impact of it on their life and future generations so that they may act in favor of the project. Such awareness may
prevent them from any individual or collective anti-project movement.
Compensation for all the damage and acquisition of land should be made available at the initial stage of the
project as the people lose all or part of their means of income soon after the clearance of lands. Such action is
required to enable the affected people to meet their economic and other needs.
People should be made aware of the impact of high tension power transmission lines and be also educated of
the way they should work and look after their children without raising any object up to the power lines and
doing anything without necessary care. Especially those working in the paddy fields should be educated not to
raise their paddy clearing equipments up to the level of transmission line.
All the new access roads constructed for the project should be removed if they lead to cause any problem to
people and their properties and cultivations. Action should be taken to protect land from inundation by
removing the soil from the areas dumped.
Seasons of cultivation (Maha and Yala) should be avoided as much as practicable in the period of construction
and unavoidable continuation of any construction work in any season of cultivation should be carefully managed
with due compensation for the loss of harvest.
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Care should be exercised to protect people and domestic animals in the period of construction of transmission
line.
Mitigation of the impacts from construction sites
The project may cause temporary gatherings of internal and external labour in the project sites. Workers may
come from either the same locality or from other areas. There would be some worker camps may be
established. The impacts from these would increase opportunities for employment for the local people which is
a positive move but on the negative side the accumulation of waste both liquid and solid, intrusion to the village
life etc. should be managed. Waste disposal should be properly organized so that there would not be any
littering and pollution of nearby water bodies. All the construction sites, stores of materials, temporary and
permanent buildings, and vehicles and constructing equipments and utensils used for cooking etc. should be
carefully maintained so that they may not be conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes including the lethal,
dengue mosquitoes. All the disposals should be properly supervised.
Good practice guidelines should be adhered to in this connection. The workers should be guided properly by the
project management so that the workers will integrate effectively with the village environment and not cause
any harm to the socio cultural environment.
Mitigations to ensure safety and security
All possible safety measures should be taken to prevent any adverse impact on the workers, communities in the
neighborhood and surrounding environment. The safety measures adhered to in the construction of the project
is shown in Annex under the section minimum factors of safety. The clearance height of the transmission line
had been adjusted based on the land use type it is traversing. For example when it is traversing above paddy
fields the lowest line will be at least 10m from the ground to provide clearance for the use of any heavy duty
agricultural equipment. When it is traversing the roads, despite the fact that the Road Development Authority
guidelines stipulates that a clearance of 5.25 meters will be sufficient it also has been increased to 10 meters.
When it is traversing across home gardens, clearance has been kept to accommodate a two storied house (30
feet), if the land owner is in possession of a plan approved by the relevant local authority for such construction.
In case any of the existing buildings/ houses is coming under the transmission line conductors, relevant safety
clearance will be maintained to allow for maximum safety even to accommodate person standing on the roof.
Further in order to avoid any accidents, the trees above 3m. These lines should be maintained on a regular basis
so that any interruptions due to the contact of trees can be minimized
With regard to the mitigation of adverse impacts on the animals, the vertical distance between two conductors
is about and horizontally it is about. Further as the tallest tree underneath the line is 3m, it is very unlikely that
the birds or even monkeys could be electrocuted by contacting these lines. Further as the distance to the
nearest tree is 17.5m from the centre on either side, this does not allow animals to jump to the line from nearby
trees.
Mitigation of humanelephant conflict
The project should pay its special attention in all the phases of preparatory, construction and operation of the
transmission line to leave no room for human -elephant conflict stemming from any activity of the project. All
the access roads constructed for the project should be blocked with suitable barriers to divert away the
elephants movements towards human settlements, cultivations, public places and roads. With the project
decommissioning all newly constructed access roads and cleared areas for project purposes should be closed
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down or managed so that they may not facilitate the movement of elephants or any other wild animals to above
mentioned areas.
Mitigation of impact on archaeological, historical and other national heritages
As there is a higher probability of finding identified or unidentified archaeological places and objects in all the
areas coming under the influence of the proposed project, the whole work force of the project should be made
aware of being conscious about such places and artifacts that may be unearthed in the process of construction.
Any work of construction should not proceed just after finding any sign of historical and archaeological value
without obtaining formal approval of the archaeological department.
Construction work in such places should be carried out in terms of the requirements of the Archaeological
Department.
Construction work and the movement of work force should be continually and closely observed and supervised
to prevent any attempt of treasure hunting under the pretext of the project activities.
In case of finding any artifact, the project authorities should take immediate action to document it first and
inform and hand over the object/s to the Archaeological Department.
Mitigation to minimize aesthetics impacts
The power line has been designed to traverse along paddy lands to minimize the impacts on built up lands.
However, the countryside scenery would be affected somewhat.
The form, color, or texture of a line can be modified to minimize aesthetic impacts. The color and construction
material of towers can be chosen to blend with or complement the landscape around them. Stronger
conductors can minimize line sag.
Right of Way (ROW) management can mitigate aesthetic impacts by creating curved or wavy ROW boundaries,
pruning trees to create a feathered effect, and screening and piling brush from the cleared ROW so that it
provides wildlife habitat.
In the end, aesthetics are to great extent based on individual perceptions. Siting, design, construction, and ROW
management can mitigate some of the adverse aesthetic effects of a line. It is needed to discuss these measures
early in the planning and design process.
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6. CONTINGENCY PLAN
Possible accidental events and environmental impacts of such accidents
Contingency plans and emergency procedures are to be developed to cover events due to operational failures,
natural causes and acts of third parties. The plans and procedures shall cover, as a minimum, the following:
-
fire
explosion
leaks and spills of hazardous materials
structure or equipment failures
injuries and illnesses
risk from natural disasters (wind, sandstorm, earthquake)
Out of these, accidental spillage of hazardous chemicals would be the most environmentally catastrophic
event. It may cause to contaminate soil and water sources. Occurring of such incident is very minimal in
construction sites but during the operational phase such event may occur related to transformers.
Measures to prevent such events from occurring;
Fire hazards and explosions

An emergency action plan will be drawn up to ensure that all workers are aware of their responsibilities in
case of an emergency. Fire protection equipment and facilities will be available at control room of all grid
substations. These would include,
Fixed fire protection system
Fire hydrant
Alarm
Portable firefighting equipment
Accidental Oil Spillage
As Good practice and part of the Environmental Management Plan, CEB will prepare for such event in grid
substations. All transformer foundations are designed with underground sump of adequate capacity to cater
for accidental spillage of oil.
Fuel to be used in construction sites will be stored with sufficient precautionary measures.
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7. MONITORING PROGRAMME
A suitable monitoring programme should be suggested to monitor changes and implementation of
mitigatory measures proposed. This plan should include the following.
Parameters to be monitored
Proposed locations of sampling points
Frequency of monitoring
Responsible agency/agencies
Fund allocations for monitoring and reporting
Page 63
Table 5. 1 Monitoring Plan

Project activity
Potential impact
Proposed mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement and
frequency
Institutional
responsibility
Implementation
schedule
Pre-construction
Selection of
transmission line
corridor
Traversing through
protected areas,
Traversing above
houses/ buildings.
Excessive requirements
for clearance of wayleaves
Avoid traversing above

protected and densely
populated areas
Avoid/ minimize
traversing above
houses/ buildings
wherever practicable
Protected areas in the

vicinity
Number of buildings
along the line route,
urban and suburban
centers of population
crossed by the line,
proportion of line route
through such areas
Land use restrictions in

areas of high
population density
Examine alternative
routes, and select the
route causing the
minimum impacts on
long-term land-use, and
minimum possible
removal of trees
Loss of crops and

therefore adverse
impact on economy and
food security
Payment of appropriate
compensation
% people who received

appropriate
compensation
Loss of riverine
vegetation around the
tanks in the path of the
line route
The extent of trees

planted in the tank
reservations as buffers
Loss of teak trees in

the Mihintale Forest
Reserve
Allocate funds to the

Department of Agrarian
Services to enrich the
tank buffer zones. The
amount
provided
should be finalized with
the Department of
Agrarian Services.
Enrich similar areas
from the same Forest
Reserve
Noise and vibrations
Construction
Selection of the
During preliminary
route selection,
reviewed during field
visits and in final line
design survey, further
reviewed after the
notices are issued and
DSs rulings
CEB
Before line route is

finalized
Construction
Clearance of 35m line
corridor
Equipment layout and
Monthly Along the line,

especially home
gardens
CEB and Forest Dept.
The extent of the land

enriched
Construction
CEB
Throughout the
installation
Mechanized
construction
caused during
construction activities
Noise, vibration and

operator safety
techniques and
machinery selection
seeking to minimize
ground disturbance.
machinery by the
Contractor
Construction
equipment to be well
maintained, and
operated to minimize
the noise & vibrations.
Construction
equipment status,
hours of operation,
noise and vibration,
maintenance
Observations during
site visits, as frequently
as required
Inspect construction
equipment and review
machinery maintenance
Monthly
Minimize the duration

of line shutdown by
careful programming of
work
Total hours of power

shutdown
Monitored regularly
during the period of
stringing the
conductors.
Provide for access

roads/routes
The adequacy of access

roads
Operation of heavy
machinery in night
hours to be limited to
very urgent cases only.
Use low noise
mechanical equipment
or use baffles, proper
scheduling of
construction
Minimise the vibration
from piling and
compaction by using
suitable equipment
Temporary blockage,
loss of service of
utilities
Loss of power supply to

local areas, when
distribution lines
crossing the new
transmission line are
switched off
Public and businesses
are inconvenienced due
to road closures
The noise levels and

condition of the said
machineries according to the land
use conditions on and
around the line route
construction period
techniques and
machinery creating
minimal ground
disturbance, before
commencement of site
work
CEB
Throughout the
construction period
CEB and Contractor
Throughout the
construction period
Page 65
Use adequate
notification on road
closures
Adequate notification is
given about road
closures
Hindrance to regular
social activities, use of
rights of way, hindrance
to waterways
Access to and site

clearance at tower
footings
Temporary obstruction
of access roads,
waterways, clearance
of trees and shrubs
Culverts to be used to
cross waterways,
minimize disturbance
and clearing of
vegetation
Construction of access
roads
Disruption to
hydrological pattern
Resort to the best

practice guidelines
provided in the Chapter
5
When left as it is will

lead to encroachment
and increase human
animals conflicts
Remove the access

roads after construction
and reinstate to
previous condition
The status of closure of

access roads
Air and water pollution

due to dust and runoff
Re use of excavated
material as much as
possible
Particulate Matter in
the air, Suspended
solids in the waters, No
of access roads
constructed, Status of
stockpiling of excavated
soil
Excavation for
construction of tower
foundations
Soil erosion and

contamination of water
ways
Cover the piles with

polythene
Use soil conservation
practices i.e. berms,
dykes, coir mats, sand
bags
Cover the areas
exposed during
construction with
ground vegetation
Regularly throughout
the construction
period, inspection after
the work is completed
when the contractor
leaves the site
Regularly during the

site visits; the air and
water quality should be
measured at monthly
intervals monthly
CEB and Contractor
Construction period
CEB and Contractor
Construction period
and when the
Contractor leaves one
location
CEB and Contractor
Review of progress
The progress of the

effort to vegetate the
exposed areas with
Page 66
ground vegetation
Uncontrolled
erosion/silt runoff
Handling and
transportation of
materials to and from
the site
Water collected in
excavated areas
Soil loss, downstream
siltation at sites
adjoining GSs and also
tower footings
Dust pollution in
surrounding areas
Avoid rainy seasons if

possible
Staged compacting of
filling at GSs, covered
gravel stockpile and
loose material
Cover the exposed
areas with vegetation in
the long term
Damp the worksites

with water
Apply speed limits to

the vehicles
Provision of facilities for

construction workers
Contamination of
receptors (land, water,
air)
High water requirement

leads to more
use tarpaulin to cover

the material during
transport
Construction workforce
temporary facilities to
include proper
sanitation, water supply
and waste disposal
facilities.
Inspect Construction
schedule
The areas with loose
soil which has the
potential to pollute
water
The level of siltation in

the water courses
nearby (Suspended
solids & oil in the
water )
The number of times
the construction site is
wetted
Monthly
Monthly report of the
status
Bi monthly
CEB
once each new facility
CEB and Contractor
The number of
uncovered vehicles
bring material and their
speed of travel
Amenities for
Workforce facilities,
Presence of proper
sanitation, water supply
and waste disposal
facilities
Locate toilets at least

50 away from a water
source
The distance between

the toilets and the
water sources
Train the workforce on

environmental
No of training programs
held for the workforce
Page 67
wastewater
Tower foundation and

stringing works in
farmlands/ paddy fields
Loss of agricultural
productivity
Earthworks in new GSS

site resulting in
uncontrolled
erosion/silt runoff
Soil loss, downstream

siltation at sites
adjoining GSs and also
tower footings
Nuisance to nearby
properties
Losses to neighbouring
land uses/ values from
disposal of waste
management and good

practices including
optimum consumption
of water for drinking,
bathing and other
Provide adequate
drinking water to the
workforce
on environmental good
practices
Avoid cultivation
&harvesting periods of
paddy fields/ farmlands
wherever predictable,
Payment of
compensation for any
losses incurred
Staged compacting of
filling at Mannar GSs,
covered gravel stockpile
and loose material,
Cover the exposed
areas with vegetation in
the long term
Land area of active

agriculture lost at each
tower footings and
along the transmission
corridor

status
CEB and Contractor
Construction period
Visual observation of
runoff and siltation of
storm water drains,
Suspended solids & oil
in the water

status
CEB and Contractor
Construction period
and after
Contract specifying
careful construction
practices.
Contract
Incorporating good
construction
management practices,
regularly during
construction
CEB and Contractor
Construction period
Appropriate contact
clauses to ensure
satisfactory
implementation of
contractual
environmental
mitigation measures.
Compliance report
related to
environmental aspects
for the contract
Submission of duly
completed compliance
report for each contract
once
The adequacy of
potable water supply to
the workforce
Operation and
Maintenance
Page 68
Transformer Oil spillage
Electric Shock Hazards
Contamination of
land/nearby water
bodies
Injury/mortality to staff
and public
Inadequate periodic
environmental
monitoring.
Diminished ecological
and social values.
Excessive noise in GSS
Nuisance to
neighbouring
properties
Grid Substation
transformers located
within secure and
impervious sump areas
with a storage capacity
of at least 100% of the
capacity of oil in
transformers and
associated reserve
tanks
Transformer oil sump

checked through
physical measurement
of volume and visual
inspection
Careful design using

appropriate
technologies to
minimise hazards
Regular inspection of
the transmission line to
clear any vegetation
/obstructions
Security fences around
Grid Substations
Appropriate warning
signs on facilities
Electricity safety
awareness raising in
project areas
Usage of appropriate
technologies (number
of injury incidents, lost
work days)
The length of the
transmission line which
is clear of any
obstructions
Maintenance of fences
Staff to receive training

in environmental
monitoring of project
operations and
maintenance activities.
Grid Substations sited
and designed to ensure
noise will not be a
nuisance.
Training/awareness
programs for all
relevant staff
Oil sump volume and

permeability, Every
year after completion
CEB
During operations
Preparedness level for

using these
technologies in crisis
once a year
Every 6 months
CEB
Included in design and

monitored throughout
operation
CEB
Throughout operation
CEB
Throughout operation
Test the waters for oil

content
Maintenance of
warning signs
Training/awareness
programs for all
concerned parties
Noise levels (dB )
Report on maintenance
Every 6 months
Number of programs
and percent of total
persons covered once
in 3 year
Number of programs
and percent of staff
covered once a year
Noise levels at
boundary nearest to
properties in case of
complaints from public
Page 69
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDAITONS

The acceptability of the proposed project and the alternatives
Proposed transmission infrastructure development is a part of ADB funded Clean Energy and Network
Efficiency Improvement Project which aims at construction of transmission and distribution projects for
evacuation of renewable energy (wind and solar) parks/ projects and overall improvement of network
efficiency. It consists of 59km 220kV transmission line from New Anuradhapura GSS to Vavuniya GSS,
70km 220kV transmission line from Vavuniya GSS to Mannar GSS and construction of Mannar GSS.
Studies have revealed over 200MW wind power potential in and around Mannar Island which will be
harnessed in future and this new facility will enhance capacity to absorb and evacuate clean energy to
national grid.
As existing Anuradhapura to Vavunia 132kV transmission line will be redundant only after
commissioning of new line, it is not practical to use same corridor. Also due to social problems that are
likely to occur when selecting adjacent corridor, a new line route was selected for this project. It has
helped to avoid Issenbessagala forest reserve and many populated areas along existing route.
Proposed Vavunia to Mannar transmission line mostly goes through scarcely populated areas and shrub
forests with shorter trees. Therefore tree clearing in 35m corridor causes minimum environmental and
social impact. A special care is taken while planning to leave sufficient space for anticipated future
development in Paraiyanalankulam junction and other semi urban areas.
Proposed line route crosses many irrigation tanks along its course. Nevertheless, no angle towers are
located within tank full supply area of any tank. All the efforts will be taken to avoid spotting suspension
towers within tank full supply area. As proposed line traverses mostly on flat ground, soil erosion
triggered by exposed soils in slopes is very unlikely to occur. If labor camps are situated close to
waterway, sanitary waste may cause surface water pollution. But scattered nature of construction and
shorter time may not require large scale labor camps. Tower construction activities are scattered in
nature and of short term. Therefore construction related pollution due to excavation, transportation,
waste disposal, dust, noise, vibration and vehicular emission is also minimum. With adaptation of careful
mitigation measures these can be successfully managed. The impact on homegardens can be rated
highest based on the biodiversity as well as the species with high conservation status. The forests in the
project area are mostly open scrublands (Open and Sparse Forests) with a small portion of dry mixed
evergreen forests interspersed with them. As the condition of reserved areas are rather sub optimal due
to lack of management the impact of removal is less than what it would have been if the plantation is in
good condition. However, with the discussion with Forest Department, a similar area/s of degraded
forests impacted due to project activities can be enriched with project funds.
Most social impacts can be mitigated by means of making necessary changes in the current plan of the
project. The height of the transmission line should be increased to the required level or above for safety
clearances at places where it runs above buildings, public roads and railway lines. Any damage to the
properties and cultivations affected by the Project (including cutting/uprooting of the trees in the
transmission line corridor) has to be properly compensated, as per the provisions given under Electricity
Act No. 20 of 2009. All possible safety measures should be taken to prevent any adverse impact on the
workers, communities in the neighborhood and surrounding environment. People should be made
properly aware of the project, its national contribution and direct or indirect positive impact of it on
their life and future generations so that they may act in favor of the project. Such awareness may
prevent them from any individual or collective anti-project movement.
Strengthening of transmission system in Mannar region will make direct and indirect positive impact on
locally as well as in national level. Improved quality and reliability of Power supply will help to boost
economic activities (including small to large scale commercial activities) in this locality, which is a very
important factor for enhancing of quality of life of residents. New transmission link will reduce losses
currently occurs in lengthy 33kV system and provide gateway to evacuate clean wind energy to the
national grid in future. Construction of transmission line will generate local employment, as number of
unskilled labours (men/women) will be required at the time of construction activities. Local employment
during this period will increase the income and socio-economic standards of the residents of the project
area.
In an overall view, major social and environmental impacts associated with most of the transmission
projects are limited to the construction period and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by
implementation of recommended measures and by better engineering and environmental practices,
which is the case in this Project as well. CEB is committed to install, operate and maintain the
transmission system in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and will be fully complied
with environmental requirements defined by government regulations and guidelines.
Page 71

Annex 1 - IEE Draft

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PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM

ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Justification of the Project

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ........................................................... 7

OBJECTIVES OF THE IEE REPORT .......................................................................................... 8

EXTENT AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 8

BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE METHODOLOGIES ADOPTED IN IEE PREPARATION ................. 8

GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING THE RELATED SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT ............ 9

COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING PLANS OF THE RELEVANT SECTOR .................................. 9

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ........... 11

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ...................................................................... 11

METHODOLOGY OF CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................ 15

WORK FORCE ........................................................................................................................ 17

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................ 19

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................... 23

CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY ........................................................................................... 23

GEOLOGY & SOIL .................................................................................................................. 25

ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................... 26

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................... 30

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

NOISE/ACOUSTIC IMPACTS ................................................................................................. 46

ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 47

ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................... 55

SAFETY AND SECURITY........................................................................................................ 55

MITIGATORY ACTIONS .................................................................................................... 58

CONTINGENCY PLAN ....................................................................................................... 62

MONITORING PROGRAMME .......................................................................................... 63

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDAITONS .................................................................... 70

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

1.2. Objectives of the IEE report

1.3. Extent and scope of the study

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Department of Wildlife Conservation

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

2.1. Description of the proposed project

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Provincial Council(s) Pradeshiya Sabha Area(s), Divisional Secretariat(s), within which

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Present ownership and land use of the project site/line trace:

Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)

Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays.

New Anuradhapura - Vavuniya Transmission line

Construction of 132 kV double circuit 59 km Transmission line, with 220 kV

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

Augmentation of Vavuniya GSS

Extension of 2nos. 220 kV double bus line bays.

Vavuniya - Mannar Transmission line

Construction of 132 kV double circuit Zebra 70.3 km Transmission line,with 220

Construction of 220/132 kV/ 33 kV Mannar GSS (1 x 31.5 MVA)

1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers

Type of equipment/transformers to be installed at each location and their capacity

1No, 31.5 MVA, 220/132/33 kV transformers

PROPOSED 220kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM ANURADHAPURA TO MANNAR VIA VAVUNIA

2.2. Methodology of Construction

Methods of construction of grid substations/switchyards etc.