Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

Discussion pointswill occur at country side area;Environmental pollution such as air/dust and noise pollution willbe there especially during construction. Air/dust can bereduced/eliminated by sprinkling water etc. & noise pollution byinstalling temporary noise barrier & not permitting noisyactivities during night time;Aquatic wildlife such as frog, snakes & scrubs are usuallyobserved in the River. No dolphin (shushuk) & Gangetic gharialare presently found close to the bridge site,Social issues needs to be addressed such as conflict betweenmigrated workers with local people, spread of communicablediseases such as skin, HIV/AIDS etc. due to migrant workers;At RS, basic facilities such as Eidgah, mosque, school andplayground should be established;Due to the construction of Padma Bridge, communicationfacilities (both road &rail) will be improved nationally andinternationally. Asian highway/railway link via bridge willenhance the economic and cultural condition of the people ofBangladesh.The Padma River is very famous for fishes especially for Hilsa.Besides Hilsa other fishes such as carp, katla, mrigel, chapila,baila, boal etc. are also famous. But presently their availability isless mainly due to heavy siltation and the use of pesticides andfertilizer for agriculture. Char Janajat at about 10km u/s of theproposed Padma bridge is the nursery and growing ground offishes such as carp, katla, mrigel, kalibaush, etc. Duringconstruction, this ground may be affected due to backwater effect,wave action due to frequent movement of construction vessels,barges and other water transports at the nearby chars. As Padmais the migratory route for Hilsa, construction activities such as pilingwork, RTWs, frequent movement of water transports will disturb themovement of fishes. Hilsa migration can be disrupted due to heavysiltation in the River. Thus, siltation problem should not be allowedin the bridge design.It was informed that wildlife museum at Jamuna Bridge was notincluded in the design. The construction period and total budgetfor the museum was 3 years and TK 50 Lakh, respectively.There should be a provision of wildlife museum at PadmaBridge site. The main purpose of the museum should be topreserve all local wildlife and fishes for future generations andtourists. The instrument/equipment for catching wildlife andfishes should also be kept in the museum. Butterfly Park canbe established in the project area. Suitable trees for butterflyshould be included in the tree plantation program of the project.The expert informed that the area where the Padma Bridge islocated is rich in wildlife such as various types of foxes,mongooses, birds including bats, snakes, shushuk etc.Presently, availability of shushuk is less due to siltation of theRiver channel.Migratory and other birds cannot stay in the River due to noisepollution by frequent movement of mechanized boats.Only local suitable species of trees should be planted.Impact on soil insects and flora/fauna due to project activitiessuch as construction of RTWs, approach roads, constructionAction PointsEnvironmental pollution due toair and noise are considered inthe scope of work of the EA.A detailed wildlife study isconsidered in the scope ofwork of the EA.EMP will consider all socialissues.All civil amenities will beprovided in the RS.EA is also anticipating thesepositive impacts.A detailed wildlife survey and studyis planned as part of the EA. Thisstudy will cover- breeding and spawningground of all species closeto the bridge site,- Hilsa migration route andthe schedule,- Quantification of catch etc.Based on the outcome,mitigation and enhancementmeasure will be considered inthe EMP.A visitor center is proposed.A detailed wildlife survey andstudy is planned as part of theEA. This study will coverbreeding and spawning groundof all species close to thebridge site, Hilsa migrationroute and schedule,quantification of catch etc.10-15