Environmental Social Impact Assessment for World Bank Funded Projects under NCRMP

Terracon Ecotech worked with NCRMP to do Coastal Resilience in Thane and Raigad districts in Maharashtra

Service Provided

Cyclone Risk Mitigation

Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

Coastal habitat ecology

Sectors

Water resources

Introduction

Terracon Ecotech, in collaboration with the Kharland Development Circle (KLDC), successfully completed a pivotal project under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program (NCRMP). Focused on Thane and Raigad districts in Maharashtra, the initiative aimed at constructing embankments to curb sea-water inundation, presenting a robust solution to enhance resilience against cyclone risks.

Project Description

National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) aims to safeguard at-risk coastal areas, promote economic stability, empower women, and enhance the overall well-being of the fishing community. The Indian government has launched the NCRMP to tackle the threat of cyclones within the country. The project’s primary goal is to implement effective structural and non-structural measures to alleviate the impact of cyclones in India’s coastal states and Union Territories.

Mitigation Investments, involving the construction and renovation of embankments. This strategic initiative addressed the vulnerability of coastal areas in eight identified locations, mitigating the impact of sea-water inundation.

We conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Social Impact Assessments (SIA) specifically tailored to the saline embankments. This comprehensive approach ensured a well-rounded understanding of the project’s implications on the environment and the social fabric.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to evaluate the likely environmental effects of a proposed project or development, including the impact on the natural environment, as well as on human health and well-being. The purpose of an EIA is to provide decision-makers with information about potential environmental impacts, allowing them to make informed choices about whether to proceed with a project and, if so, how to manage and mitigate those impacts.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a process used to understand and manage the social implications of a proposed project or development. It includes assessing the potential effects on communities, social structures, and cultural heritage. The goal of an SIA is to ensure that a project’s impacts on people and communities are understood and addressed, and that any potential negative social effects are mitigated.

Both EIA and SIA are important tools for promoting sustainable and responsible development, as they help to identify and address potential environmental and social impacts before they occur.

Terracon Ecotech role in conducting precise impact assessments and providing valuable insights which contributed significantly to the project’s success. This undertaking exemplifies Terracon Ecotech’s commitment to sustainable development and its expertise in managing complex environmental and social challenges.

Outcome

Strengthened Coastal Protection Measures: Through the implementation of embankments in Thane and Raigad districts, the project effectively bolstered defenses against sea-water inundation, safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities and critical infrastructure from the destructive impacts of cyclones. These embankments serve as vital barriers, reducing the risk of coastal erosion and mitigating the threat posed by rising sea levels during cyclonic events.

Preservation of Agricultural Land: By protecting agricultural lands within coastal communities, the project not only shielded vital food-producing areas from saline intrusion but also sustained the livelihoods of local farmers and bolstered food security. This outcome ensures the continued productivity of agricultural activities, contributing to the economic resilience and sustainability of coastal communities in Thane and Raigad districts.