Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

Discussion pointsPadma Bridge on similar lines of the Jamuna MultipurposeBridge, traffic management (whether the existing road networkis adequate for the proposed PMBP),Suitable local tree plantation should be done such as Neem,Blackberry, Amloki, Amla, Olive, Lychee, Mehogoni, Orjun,Raintree, Hortoki, Jackfruits, Akasmoni and Bohera. It wassuggested that fuel trees should be avoided in the treeplantation plan, and proportion of roadside trees should: 50%wood trees, 30% fruit trees and 20% medicine trees.Consider impact on regional hydrology and flood pattern, and awildlife and ecology museum including trees, sushuk, fishesetc. like Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge museum, fish ponds atall the resettlement sites.Tsunami should be included under environmental risk.EIA should address Backwater effect due to piers and RTWs; biodiversity such asfish, migratory birds, agriculture etc.;Impact on Hilsa and other fishes during construction mainlydue to frequent movement of huge construction vessels,speed boats and other water transports as well as driving ofbridge piles; Impact on Hilsa fish during O/M may be mainlydue to siltation at nearby piers and at d/s of the bridge;Livelihood impact;Environmental impact on agriculture due to permanent loss ofagriculture lands. This impact can be mitigated by converting 1cropped agriculture to 2 or 3 cropped; plantation of variouslocal suitable tree species on roadside slopes, within the rightof way, service area, Toll plaza and resettlement site areasfollowing the ratio of 1:3 ( Cutting of 1 tree= Replanting of 3trees).It was informed that (a) River bank erosion will be intensified ifthe waterway opening of the bridge is constricted which mayresult in environmental hazards; (b) Siltation will occur if thewaterway opening of the bridge is not constricted. However,siltation problem can be solved by regular maintenance (suchas dredging although it is very costly option);It was suggested that Climate change/sea level rise impact onthe project should be considered in the design;Action Pointsimpact due to the developmentof bypass-road in group B ofRajuk is studiedAll local species will be plantedwith the recommendedproportion of wood, fruit andmedicine trees. Hydrological analysis willconsider the regional pattern.A visitor center is plannedunder the project and ponds ineach RS are also included.Tsunami is not considered asa major factor at the Padmasite.Hydrological modeling showsthat the backwater effect isinsignificant (15cm).Impact on aquatic life, wildlife,migratory birds is included inthe EA scope. The resettlement teamprepared a livelihoodrestoration plan.EMP considered the possibilityof 2 and 3 cropped harvestingin agriculture developmentplan under the EMMP andgreenbelt and plantationprogramRiver constriction is notplanned in the Project design.Climate change has beenconsidered in the Projectdesign.Traffic congestion may occur especially at toll plaza. This issueshould be addressed by developing a traffic management plan(e.g. road safety sign, skilled traffic police, promptcomputerized toll collection system etc.).Proper traffic management andthe possibility of electronictolling will be considered.Branch channels from the Padma River within the proposedRTWs area at Janjira side should be kept open or to providewater control structures (such as drainage sluice, regulatoretc.). Otherwise environmental hazards (such as impact onGW, fisheries, boat communication, agriculture, vegetation etc.)The RTW design options arenot considering closing anyminor channels.10-14