Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

Table 10-5: Suggestions obtained from experts and response.Discussion pointsRecommended number of experts for consultation includingorganizations, NGOs, private citizens etc. Coordination among the bridge and RTW contractors washighly recommended.Action Points Identified the experts forconsultation.Preference to be given to thesame contractor for both RTWand main bridge.It was suggested that an emergency response plan must beprepared for accidental spills of petrochemicals.It was suggested to quantify sensitive species in Padma Riverand in project influence area.It was suggested that an Environmental committee consistingof Secretary MOEF, DG DOE and other specialists should beformed to review design consultant’s work and monitor the EIAstudy.Further, a formal request to the Secretary should be forwardedthrough the proper channel of BBA requesting to form thecommittee.The experts supported the fact that since the project is a highpriority intervention for the government, quick and activecooperation from the MOEF will be provided to the designconsultants for proper execution of the EA work.World Bank requires the translation of EIA from English toBengali and posting of EIA in WB website.It was suggested that a working group should be formulatedcomprising representatives of the MOEF and DOE, then,assigning of a coordinator in DOE to work with Consultantsand expediting the review and approval process of TOR andEIA.Special consideration should be given on mitigation measuresfor River bank erosion (especially at Janjira), global warmingeffect and Hilsa migration. Consideration should be made toreduce the disturbance of fish movement by huge watertransports (specially construction barges, dredgers etc) duringconstruction;Identify the impacts of geo-bags on aquatic wildlife.It was suggested to constrict the waterway opening (min. 1km)in order to increase flow velocity under the bridge anddecrease silt deposition at the downstream of the bridge. Byconstricting the River flow fish movement can be enhanced.Discussions were held on construction materials, quarries andsources, transport of construction materials and ship impact;impact of noise, vibration, dust and road crossings, roadsidetree plantations (not at the inner curve sides), and road safety; Other issues were: impact on erosion, siltation and Rivermorphology on bridge length, chemical pollution, trafficmanagement, impact on population in Dhaka City due to An emergency response planwill be prepared in the EIA. Wildlife survey planned toquantify sensitive species. DOE formed a reviewcommittee for the EIA.BBA sent a formal request tothe Secretary, MOEF EIA will be translated inBengali and will be posted onBBA, ADB and World Bankwebsite. An environmentalmanagement committee isformed with 22 members withED, BBA in Chair on April 26,2009. The project will considerappropriate measures tocontrol erosion. The EA studyhas included climate changeand wildlife impact study.There is no known impact ofgeo-bags on aquatic life basedon other experience inBangladesh. Based on the Padma Rivercharacteristicsandmorphology, and detailedinvestigation, constriction ofRiver is not a consideration inthe Project design. TOR of the EIA studyconsidered a wide range ofparameters.Widening of Dhaka-Mawa roadfrom two to four lanes isplanned. The environmental10-13