IEER Thul-Keg 07-10-13 Draft

PROPOSED 132KV
TRANSMISSION LINE FROM

THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Ceylon Electricity Board
October|2013
Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Executive Summary
Background:
This power transmission project proposed by Long-term Transmission Development Plan of CEB falls under
categorization of prescribed project as per National Environment Act. Upon the environmental approval request
from CEB, as the project approving authority, Central Environmental Authority has delegated approval process to
Kegalle Regional Office. 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.
This IEER covers the construction and operation of above project, consists of following components.
Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.
Installation of 15 MVAr (3x5 MVAr) capacitor banks including 33 KV BSC bays at Kegalle 33 kV Bus
Bar to control load PF.
Construction of 132 kV 22.5 km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line.
Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.
Under Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project, Asian Development Bank has extended
financial support for power transmission infrastructure development in Sri Lanka, which includes the proposed
132kV transmission line from Thulhiriya to Kegalle.
Justification of the Project:
Currently Kegalle and surrounding area is supplied by Kiribathkumbura GSS which is predicted to be overloaded
by 2015 and Thulhiriya GSS which is predicted to be overloaded by 2018. With the increasing demand Kegalle,
Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas will suffer voltage drop and frequent failures. Also lengthy
33kV distribution lines give rise to power losses.
This project will meet the demand growth in abovementioned areas and thereby relieve loading of Thulhiriya and
Kiribathkumbura Grid Substations. Proposed Kegalle GSS will also improves the voltage profile of 33 kV
distribution system and reduce distribution losses hence this project will improve quality and reliability of the
system and at the same time will reduce losses.
Initial Environmental Examination:
This report intends to identify and evaluate environmental and socio-economic impacts of the proposed project
development and suggest adequate mitigatory measures. IEER identifies critical environmental attributes required
to be monitored subsequent to the implementation of the proposed project and establish the Environment
Monitoring Plan. IEER outcomes are expected to incorporate into project design to minimize potential impacts due
to construction and operation of the project.
During the preparation of the report baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social
condition were established with support of preliminary survey, field study and secondary data. With the aid of
field study, baseline data on existing environment were established.
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Existing Environment:
22.5km long proposed transmission line originates from existing Thulhiriya GSS and traverse through 9.16 km of
paddy fields and 11.6 km on home gardens and rubber estates approximately. Lands in the project area have
been used mainly for the purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops. This line route
follows undulating mountainous terrain for most of its length varying from 60m~210m. Total project area lies
within wet zone which receives annual rainfall around 2500mm.
Thulhirikanda and Hunuwala kanda forest reserves and Kegalle sanctuary are in close proximity of the line route
but proposed alignment is well away from any such environmentally sensitive areas.
Home gardens exhibit the maximum floral bio diversity while faunal diversity is almost same in all land uses. Most
residential lands are cultivated and have single story houses. People who are living in the project area have mix
attitude towards the project and majority are willing to accept as this development is having national importance.
Proposed Northern expressway is the most important infrastructure development take place in this region which is
implemented by Road Development Authority. CEB will work with RDA in close coordination to avoid any conflicts
and come up with most environmentally, technically and financially sound solution for both projects.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts:
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 of30m width (especially in the rubber cultivations and home gardens). Erosion due to
tower foundations and temporary access roads located in steep terrain is also a potential impact to a lesser
magnitude. Obstruction to the natural waterways and disturbance to the natural ecosystems caused by location of
foundations and access roads in wetlands is a possibility.
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. Most of the environment and social impacts mentioned above have been avoided or
minimized by selection of the line route with environmental perspective.
Proposed mitigation Measures:
As the proposed line mostly goes through paddy fields, rubber cultivations, environmentally sensitive areas with
high biodiversity are avoided in the preliminary planning stage. Therefore cutting of rubber and coconut trees can
be considered as most prominent impact. As these are commercial plantations, removal of these trees are also
becomes an economic impact.
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. 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.
Due to mountainous terrain of the project area, disasters such as landslides and earth slips may occur. In the
sloping terrain, wherever possible transmission towers will be located in relatively flat locations in stable, hard soil
free from erosion and earth slips. Possibility of erosion by tower foundations located in hilly terrain should be
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minimized by construction of earth retaining structures and/or turfing wherever necessary. In case new access
roads were absolutely necessary, they would be maximum 3-4m wide, and completely removed after the
completion of project work.
CEB has obtained a landslide investigation report on the proposed project from National Building Research
Organization (NBRO), which is attached. The report gives a detailed description of the landslide prone areas,
and the mitigation measures required to be adopted for the tower foundations located on such areas. These
recommendations will be strictly adhered during the construction of the project.
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ABBREVIATIONS
CEA
Central Environmental Authority
CEB
DoF
Department of Forest
DS
Divisional Secretary
DSD
Divisional Secretaries Division
DWLC
Department of Wild Life Conservation
EMoP
Environmental monitoring plan
EMP
Environmental management plan
GoSL
Government of Sri Lanka
GSS
Grid Substation
ha
hectare (=10,000 square meters)
IEE
Initial environmental examination
IDSL
Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka
km
kilometer
kV
kilovolt
Meter
MoPE
Ministry of Power and Energy
MASL
Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka
MSL
mean sea level
MW
megawatt
NEA
National Environmental Act
NGO
non-government organization
PAA
project approving authority
SLLRDC
Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation
PUCSL
Public Utility Commission of Sri Lanka
RDA
Road Development Authority
RoW
right of way
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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT ON THE

PROPOSED 132 kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO
KEGALLE
1.
Introduction
06
2.
Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives
09
3.
Description of existing environment
19
4.
Description of the anticipated environmental impacts
39
5.
Proposed mitigatory measures
58
6.
Monitoring program
65
7.
Conclusion and recommendation
70
Annexes
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1. Introduction
1.1. Background of the project
Ceylon Electricity Board 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.
Considering the requirements of Sri Lankas power system with medium to long term, it has been
decided to implement transmission projects required for network efficiency improvement and loss
reduction including proposed 132kV transmission line from Thulhiriya to Kegalle.
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1.2. Objective of the proposed project and justification of the project

Summarize the need or problem being addressed by the project and how the proposed
project is expected to resolve the problem or the issue.
Due to the fast emerging energy demand of the area, there is a distinct necessity for strengthening and
expanding the transmission network. Under the adopted standards, the forecast loading of each Grid
Sub Station (GSS) is compared with the firm capacity and the necessary transformer augmentations as
well as construction of new substations. According to the analysis done by CEB, it is evident that
Kiribathkumbura GSS will get overloaded by the year 2015 and Thulhiriya GSS will get overloaded by
the year 2018. With the increasing demand Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas
will suffer voltage drop and frequent failures.
This sub-project will meet the demand growth in Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana
areas and thereby relieve loading of Thulhiriya and Kiribathkumbura Grid Substations. Proposed GSS
will also improve the voltage profile of 33 kV distribution systems and reduce distribution losses hence
this project will improve operational efficiency and quality of power, reliability of the system and at the
same time will reduce losses. This improvement of transmission infrastructure will permit the
electrification of rural areas which are inaccessible with the present situation.
1.3. Objective of the IEE report

Specify the objectives of the assessment and the relationship of the results to project design
and implementation.
This report intends to identify environmental, social and economical impacts of the proposed project
development and suggest adequate mitigation measures. 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.
1.4. Extent and scope of the study

The scope of the study is to prepare IEER after relevant field studies, reviewing secondary information,
ecological & sociological surveys, consultation with stakeholders and local communities living along the
transmission line (particularly the individuals / families residing in houses located within the 30m wide
line corridor).
The IEE report identifies baseline environmental setting, critical environmental attributes required to
be monitored during construction & subsequent to the implementation of the proposed project. IEE
will identify anticipated impacts of the project, propose possible interventions to mitigate the negative
impacts if any in short, medium and long term and establish Environment Monitoring Plan.
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1.5. Methodologies adopted in report preparation

Secondary information was gathered from publication of government and other research groups in the
preliminary stage. Two study teams were deployed for ecological and sociological surveys on 100m
wide strip on either side from the center of the proposed transmission line by walking. With the aid of
field study, baseline data on existing physical, ecological, economic, and social conditions were
established.
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.
1.6. The approval needed for the proposed development from state agencies
Department of Agrarian Develompent
National Building Research Organization
1.7. Any conditions laid down by state agencies in granting preliminary clearance for the project
Request letter to the Dept. of Agrarian Development is attached as annex 6.1. Landslide Investigation
Report by National Building Research Organization containing specific mitigation measures is attached as
annex 6.2.
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2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives

Description of the project
2.1. Aim and scope of the project
State the projects main objectives, main beneficiaries and the expected social economic
effects.
The project envisages construction of
Construction of 132 kV 22.5 km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line.
Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.
Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.
Currently areas surrounding Kegalle experience poor service levels of electricity supply due to voltage
drops and frequent interruptions. The proposed project will improve operational efficiency quality and
reliability of power supply to the consumers in Kegalle and surroundings (Mawanella, Galigamuwa,
Rambukkana, Aranayake etc.). At the same time, it will enhance the reliability of the system and will
reduce system losses. Main beneficiaries would include the community in Kegalle and suburbs including
small and large scale domestic/commercial consumers in Kegalle, Polgahawela, Mawanella,
Galigamuwa, Aranayake and Rambukkana.
Supply of power to both the local areas and regions will boost economic development of the area by
strengthening the power transmission infrastructure. Surrounding areas will benefit from improved level
of service and more rural households will get connected to the grid.
2.2. Justification of the project

This section should consider justification of the project in relation to social economic
benefits and any environmental costs and benefits where applicable.
At present Kegalle, Mawanella, Pogahawela and Rambukkana areas has an estimated load growth rate
of 5%. Currently no 132kV transmission lines are located within areas surrounding Kegalle. Hence,
most of the areas around Kegalle are fed by long 33kV distribution lines starting from either Thulhiriya
GSS or Kiribathkumbura GSS. As a result said areas experience poor service levels of electricity supply
due to voltage drops and frequent interruptions.
Constructing a new 132kV/33kV GSS in Kegalle and connecting it to the National Grid through
Thulhiriya Kegalle 132kV transmission line (22.5 km long) will address the problems mentioned above.
This transmission line project is aimed for strengthening and expanding transmission network in Kegalle
and suburbs in order to cater the future developments. Also this project is important for meeting the
increasing demand in mentioned area and minimizes the low voltage problems currently encountered,
and improves the reliability of electricity supply to consumers of the said areas.
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The main benefit of the proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya Kegalle Transmission line is the quality Improvement
of electricity supply provided to the area in terms of reliability and voltage profile. In this aspect, the
quality improvement of the power supply would benefit the present rural communities already
electrified and enable further electrification of more households and new industries.
Once Kegalle GSS is in operation, lengthy 33kV distribution lines will not be required from
Kiribathkumbura and Thulhiriya GSSs, thus reducing distribution losses and improve overall efficiency of
national grid.
2.3. Description of the proposed project

2.3.1. Present ownership of the project site
Augmentation of existing Thulhiriya GSS is limited within its current extent which is a property of CEB.
The proposed Kegalle GSS will be situated on private land which will be purchased from its 8 owners,
who have given their consent to sell their allotments to CEB. Part of Kegalle land is a paddy field while
rest is left uncultivated.
2.3.2. Present use of land

It has been observed that the land use between two terminal locations of above line consists mainly of
paddy, rubber and home gardens. Paddy fields account for 43 % of total length of the line, where
environmental and social impacts caused by the line are minimal. Around 31% of the route goes through
home gardens while 19% goes through rubber plantations, where cutting/ removal of trees along the
30m wide corridor would raise some environmental concern, but considering the marginal bio-diversity
in home gardens and commercial plantation, such impacts will not be significant. Social impact arising
from removal of trees is more considerable and such issues will be addressed in mitigation plan.
Land use along the proposed Kegalle- Thulhiriya 132kV transmission line is as follows,
Land use type
Paddy
Percentage of total line

length
42.64%
Home Garden
31.3%
Rubber
18.8%
Shrubs
6.4%
The 21.5 km transmission line from Thulhiriya GSS to Kegalle traverses through 9.16 km of paddy fields
and 10.75 km approximately on home gardens and rubber estates. A large number of rubber trees and
home garden trees in the RoW have to be removed for which CEB will have to pay compensation as per
assessment of Grama Niladhari which is to be endorsed by Divisional Secretary.
2.3.3. Pradeshiya Sabaha Area(s), Divisional Secretariat(s), Provincial Council(s) in which the
project is to be located
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i. Pradeshiya Sabha:
Warakapola
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Rambukkana
ii. Divisional Secretariat
Warakapola
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Rambukkana
ii. Provincial Council
Sabaragamuwa
2.3.4. Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)
Proposed timing and schedule is attached as annex 5.4.
2.3.5. Applicable laws, regulations, standards and requirements covering the proposed
project
National Environmental Act N 47 of 1980, amendment N 56 of 1988, and other

amendments
Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009
Agrarian Services Act (N 58 of 1979)
Agrarian Development Act N 46 of 2000
Felling of Trees (Amendment Act N 01 of 2000 and Act to amend felling of trees
control)
Forest Ordinance Act N 13 of 1966
Forest (Amendment) Act N 65 of 2009
Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, N 13 of 1986
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act, 1958. Act N24 of 1958
Antiques Ordinance, 1960
Soil Conservation (Amendment) Act N 24 of 1996
2.3.6. Clearances / permits obtained from relevant state agencies and or local authorities
Clearance from Department of Agrarian Services has been requested for the proposed construction of
GSS in a paddy field which is not an agricultural activity. In turn they have requested Sri Lanka Land
Reclamation Development Corporation (SLRDCC) to send their recommendations for above
development, including a drainage plan (if required), before giving their clearance. Copy of CEBs
request to Department of Agrarian Services is attached in annex6.1. CEB has already paid the relevant
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estimate to (SLRDCC) for above consultancy work, and their report and consent of Department of
Agrarian is expected within 01st week of October.
In addition, considering the landslide hazards (if any) in the hilly areas encountered along certain parts
of line route, CEB has obtained a report from National Building Research Organization regarding above
(including their recommendations and proposed remedial measures). NBRO report is attached as annex
6.2.
2.3.7. Provide a location map indicating the project site, surrounding development and
infrastructure within 100 m of the site (at appropriate scale)
Location map is attached as annex 5.1.
2.3.8. Give details of the project characteristics including its principal features; project
related permanent structures, project related temporary structures. (Including route and
length of the transmission line design of transmission towers, switch yard, grid
substation etc. and indicate same on a plan)
The project consists of the following components:

Construction of 132kV 22.5km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line
having approximately 82 Nos. Lattice towers
Construction of 132/33kV Grid Substation at Kegalle
1 Nos. 31.5MVA, 132/33kV transformers

132kV single Busbar arrangement including bus section
33kV single Busbar arrangement including bus section
2 Nos. 132kV single Busbar transmission line bays
2 Nos. 132kV single Busbar transformer bays
8 Nos. 33kV feeder bays, 2x33kV transformer bays
15MVAr (3x5 MVAr) capacitor banks including 33kV BSC bays
Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 Nos. of 132kV line bays
Extension of the 132kV single Busbar transmission line bays

Space for the bays are within the existing GSS
Length of Thulhiriya Kegalle Transmission line is 21.5 km including of approximately 82 nos of four
legged steel lattice towers having an average height of 27~28m from ground level. Each of four legs are
embedded in concrete foundation. Transmission line consists of several types of towers catering to
different requirements of line route. The most common type is line towers, TDL which has foundation
dimensions of approximately 2450x2450x3000mm (length, width and depth). TD1 angle towers are
used to form angles from 00 to 100 and its foundation is 3150x3150x3000mm. TD3 angle towers are used
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for angles from 100 to 300 and have foundation of 3500x3500x3000mm. For angles from 300 to 600, TD6
towers are used and it has foundation size of 3800x3800x3500mm. Terminal towers from the ends of
line routes where they connect to grid substations and has the largest base of 4000x4000x3500mm.
Typically 132kV transmission towers have heights of 27~28m.
2.3.9. Type of transformers to be installed and their capacity details should also include the
location extent and type of grid substation/s
This project envisages the construction of Kegalle GSS in Molagoda, 5km from Kegalle on Kandy road.
One 31.5MVA, 132/33kV transformer will be installed in it along with other components stated in
Section 2.3.8.
Breaker Switched Capacitor (BSC) banks will be installed at the Kegalle GSS which are used for voltage
support and reactive power compensation in grid substations. By doing so it helps to reduce the losses
in power transformers and transmission lines, and to release the capacity constraints in transformers
and lines. Other than that, they are installed to control the load power factor at the Grid Substation level
(33kV).
2.3.10. Drawing showing the project layout plan especially in relation to grid substations,
switch yards etc.
Layout plan for proposed Kegalle GSS is attached as annex 5.3 and proposed route for the 132kV
transmission line is attached as annex 5.1.
2.4. Methodology of construction

2.4.1. State the proposed time schedule for construction
Proposed time schedule for construction of Thulhiriya Kegalle Transmission line is shown in annex
5.4.
2.4.2. Details of land preparation activities

Land preparation mainly requires in construction of grid substation and tower foundations. Area
required for tower foundation varies according to different tower types and typically varies between
4-7 perches. It involves removing vegetative cover and excavation up to 2.3m below ground. Laying
of foundation completes in 4-10 weeks depend on soil condition. After backfilling, only four stubs
will expose above ground, which are less than the size of 2x2 feet. Land slide related impacts arising
due to land preparation for project activities (mainly the Tower foundations) in hilly areas have been
addressed in attached report of study conducted by NBRO (Annex 6.2).
For the construction of Kegalle new grid substation, all the arrangements have been made to
purchase approx 5 acres of land earmarked for proposed development from 8 Nos. of its owners.
All the owners have already given their consent for selling the lots owned by them, and the official
process for purchase of the land is underway. The land need to be cleared of vegetation and
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leveled. Substation site will be filled to a height of 1.2 m above the Kandy road. Since the part of the
land is a paddy field, the clearance for filling and development of the land is requested from the
Dept. of Agrarian Development. In order to maintain uninterrupted drainage of the area due to
filling, a drainage plan is requested from the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development
Corporation (SLLRDC), which will be incorporated into the filling plan.
This plot of land will accommodate control building, main transformer foundation, other equipment
foundations and gantry structures to support conductors. Depth of excavation is very unlikely to
exceed 2.5m in good soils which are found in selected land for GSS.
After few months of construction, vegetative cover will reinstate for some extent and in case of
home gardens certain species of trees can be grown while in paddy fields, same land use may
continue with some restriction on harvesting machinery. There is no natural forest or cultivations in
selected land for GSS, therefore ecological impact is minimal.
2.4.3. Nature and type of any structures

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 straightline position of transmission line. Therefore, all conductors have been attached to tower cross arms
with glass insulators and continuously run through these towers.
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 as mentioned in section 2.3.8. 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.
Grid substation houses power transformers mounted on concrete foundations and, several types of
structures for mounting current transformers, voltage transformers and other switchgear which are
all steel lattice structures on concrete foundations.
2.4.4. Methods of construction of grid substations/switch yards towers and laying of

conductors
Typically grid substation structures to accommodate switchgear do not require large foundations.
Reinforced concrete foundations will be sufficient in good soil conditions while precast concrete
piles are used for places with poor soil characteristics. In case of Kegalle GSS, reinforced concrete
foundations placed on the well compacted soil fill would be sufficient. 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.
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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.
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.
2.4.5. 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 resource during mobilization
stage to avoid any environmental 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.
2.4.6. Details of any access roads to be built, improved (existing condition and anticipated
improvement)
Although the line construction will rely on many existing roads, 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, to avoid building new access roads. Building materials to such locations would also
be hand-carried wherever possible. If it is absolutely necessary 3-4 m wide 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. These temporary access
roads will be completely removed, and ground is reinstated after the completion of the project.
Since the new GSS at Kegalle is adjacent to Kaudaulla road off Kandy road, it requires only upgrading
of existing culvert across the stream.
2.4.7. 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 wet zone which is rich of natural streams, hygienically
sound sanitation facilities are to be setup in and around labor camps, which should not cause
ground or surface water pollution.
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2.5. Work force

Labor requirements, availability of labor in the area, employment of local people,
occupational health and safety facilities required / provided.
As the proposed project is a major construction, the 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.
Nature of the works in construction activities has a high incidence of occupational ill health. In
awarding the tenders, the CEB will also ensure that occupational health and safety of the workers are
looked after properly by the contractor. Health and safety impacts will be in terms of risk of accidents.
Necessary training regarding the safety aspects of the personnel working on the line will be provided by
the contractor. Contractors are obliged to maintain occupational health and safety facilities that
comply with national labor rules and standards, in order to assure safe work environment. CEB will
exercise necessary care and supervision over contractors execution of work and take suitable steps as
are practicable in the circumstances to avoid a foreseeable risk of death or injury.
2.6. Maintenance procedure

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)
Removal of rust and re-painting (old galvanizing) of any tower steel members with
corrosion
(ii)
Replacing any damaged insulators
(iii)
Removal/pruning of trees/branches of them which may grow above 3m, height along
the 35m wide line corridor.
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
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.
-
Sources of hazardous / electronic waste (if any)
The lifetime of a GSS is also more than 50 years, maintenance works involved are indicated below.
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(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 die above activities.
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.
2.7. Evaluation of alternatives

Describe reasonable alternative considered and the basic environmental engineering and
economic parameters used in their investigation and evaluation. Compare alternatives in
terms of potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, capital and operating costs,
reliability, suitability under local conditions and monitoring requirements.
The following alternatives could be considered:
2.7.1. 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.
As mentioned in Section 2.2, presently areas around Kegalle are fed from either Thulhiriya GSS or
Kiribathkumbura GSS by long 33kV distribution lines. As a result said areas experience poor service
levels of electricity supply due to voltage drops and frequent interruptions. Considering the
demand growth rate, those substations are predicted to be overloaded in coming years.
Constructing a new 132kV/33kV GSS in Kegalle and connecting it to the National Grid through
Thulhiriya Kegalle 132kV transmission line (22.5 km long) will address the problems mentioned
above. This transmission line project is aimed for strengthening and expanding transmission
network in Kegalle and suburbs in order to cater the future developments. Also this project is
important for meeting the increasing demand in mentioned area and minimizes the low voltage
problems currently encountered, and improves the reliability of electricity supply to consumers of
the said areas.
Development activities of this project are invariably associated with social and few environmental
impacts. Social impacts include cutting down of valuable trees and planting of tower footings in
private properties. The environmental impacts are relatively much less, and limited to cutting
Page 17
down of trees in rich plantations of rubber, temporary impacts to the paddy fields during
construction of tower foundations, and prompting of soil erosion in the hilly terrain. However,
most of the social impacts could be properly compensated as explained in later chapters, while
the environmental impacts involved are easily mitigable, except cutting down of trees, which do
not involve protected areas or those with high biodiversity, but mostly trees of commercial value.
So when compared, positive benefits adequately justify the implementation of the project.
Therefore no-action alternative is not acceptable.
2.7.2. Alternative routes, design and technology selection, construction techniques, and
maintenance procedures etc.
Alternatives considered as bellow
The No action alternative
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
The other alternatives are shown against 1:50,000 topographical map and attached as
annex 5.2. These were evaluated based on the impact on the land and socioeconomic
condition, the cost effectiveness of the transmission line etc. The Alternative I which
traverses along more or less straight line is cost effective as there are less angle towers
required. Evaluation of alternative is summarized in section 7.1.
Page 18
3. Description of the existing environment

STUDY AREA
Grid Substation (s) / Switchyards
The project sites and 100m from the boundaries of the project site (include Gongan Ela
levels, GSS contour levels and reservation demarcated in a map of Kegalle)
Transmission line
Transmission line route and 50m on either side of the center line of proposed line routes or
the area of maximum risk.
3.1. Physical Environment
3.1.1. Topology
Recent Topographical data clearly indicating reserve areas, marshy areas, water bodies,
canals, streams, drainage, channels
Kegalle is the capital city of the district which is one of the two districts of
Sabaragamuwa province the other being Ratnapura district. The elevation of the
district of Kegalle varies from 30-170m from the MSL. The highest elevation is towards
the South-East of the district. The landform features vary from plateaus to steep
escarpments with medium to high elevations: and from broad valleys to steep gullies.
The district of Kegalle exhibits complex topographical features consist of hills and ridges,
broad valleys, gorges and plateaus.
Proposed line traverse through northern part of the district, which is also a hilly terrain.
Highest peak along the line route was observed in Puwakdeniya area while
Kandegedara, Dewalegama and Hunuwala areas have isolated peaks. Kegalle district
nourishes many rivers including Kelani River, Maha Oya and Attanagalu Oya. But this
proposed line route does not cross any major rivers or streams.
Proposed land for Kegalla GSS is adjacent to Gonagan Ela and proposed site layout is
attached with survey plans. This land has to be developed with subjected to the
approval of Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC). Their
permission for development will follow the environmental approval.
3.1.2. Climate and meteorology
Precipitation patterns, relative humidity and temperature, potential hazardous weather
events
The mean annual daily temperature in the district is estimated to be between 22.50C to
32.50C and diurnal range is around 60C. November, December and January are
Page 19
considered as the coldest months while April to June as the hottest months. Humidity
of the district increases with the altitude and also varies from the wet zone to dry zone.
The average humidity varies between 70-80% during the day time and between 88-94%
during the night. Highest monthly rainfall receives in October as 302.7mm and lowest
rainfall recorded in January as 33.6mm. About 60%-75% of the district receives rainfall
over 3,000 mm per year.
3.1.3. Geology & soil
General geology of the area, soil types and distribution
The district of Kegalle lies within the southern part of Vanni Complex as per lithotectonic classification of the island. This project area is made up of Charnockite, Garnetbiotite gneiss and Quartzite. Main soil types encountered in this rolling, hilly and steeply
dissected terrain are Red-Yellow Podzolic soils with Low Humic Gley soils. These soil
characteristics and weather makes desirable conditions for commercial crops such as
tea, rubber and coconut which occupy vast area of the district.
3.2. Ecological Resources
3.2.1. Existing natural and man-made habitats in and around the project site and,
distribution and density of fauna and flora of them.
Following table shows the details of the habitats that will be intercepted by the
transmission line and their extents in the total corridor.
Table 3.2.1 1
Land use of the line corridor including the types of habitats and their extents (ha)
No Total Line Length
Land Usage
i)
Open scrubland
ii) Rubber
iii) Home Garden
iv) Paddy
21.5 km
Percentage
6.4
18.79
31.3
42.64
Corridor
30
30
30
30
Total
4.1
12.1
20.1
27.4
The project area comprises of predominantly paddy lands then home gardens, rubber
plantations and open scrublands. TABLE 3.2.1 2
SUMMARY OF THE DISTRIBUTION
OF FLORA ACCORDING TO THE HABITATS IN THE PROJECT AREA shows the distribution
of the flora while TABLE 3.2.1 3
SUMMARY OF THE FAUNA IN THE DIFFERENT
HABITATS IN THE PROJECT AREA shows the distribution of the fauna in the affected
habitats.
Page 20
The full list of flora and fauna species encountered in the Project affected areas is shown
in annex 7.
Flora
Table 3.2.1 2
Summary of the distribution of flora according to the habitats in the project area
Habitats
The
extent in
the
corridor
(30m) %
No. of
species
in the
habitat
types
Biodiversity
% in the
ecosystem
Endemic % Nationally
species
Threatene
d species
% Vulnerable
species
Paddy lands
Home gardens
Rubber
Scrublands
Total
42.64
31.3
18.79
6.4
22
96
19
11
148
14.86486
64.86486
12.83784
7.432432
1
2
0
1
4 0
2 1
0 0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
4 1
2 2
0 0
9
2
Fauna
Table 3.2.1 3
Summary of the fauna in the different habitats in the Project area
Habitats
The
extent
in the
corrid
or
(35m)
%
Category
biodiver of fauna
sity
No of
speci
es
obse
rved
Paddy
lands
54.23
%
26.8421
1
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
sReptiles
Birds
Mammals
6
7
6
2
29
1
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
s
Reptiles
6
3
1
4
29
Home
gardens
30.76
%
23.6842
1
Birds
Ende
mic
specie
s
Endang
ered
species
1
1
NA
NA
NA
2
1
5.9
4.4
Vulner
able
species
2.
22
Near
Thre
aten
ed
1
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Page 21
Rubber
Plantati
ons
Open
Scrub
lands
10
23.6842
1
25.7894
7
Mammals
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
sReptiles
Birds
Mammals
8
1
0
4
29
3
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
s
Reptiles
13
0
0
4
29
3
Birds
Mammals
1
1
1
1
1
4.4
4
6.1
2
NA
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
2.
22
2.
04
2.2
2
2.22
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
2.04
3.2.2. Rare threatened and endemic species

Table 3.2.2 1 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the
Project area shows the distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the
Project area.
Flora
Table 3.2.2 1 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area
Family
Scientific
name
Apocynaceae
Walidda
antidysenterica
Clusiaceae
Garcinia
quaesita
Cycadaceae
Cycas
nathorstii
Lythraceae
Lagerstroemia
speciosa
Sapotaceae
Madhuca
longifolia
Moraceae
Ficus fergusoni
Euphorbiaceae Bridelia mooni
Common
name
Idda
Goraka
Madu
Habitat Species
Status
Endemic
Small
tree
Tree
Endemic
Conservation PA
Status
LC
HG
LC
Native
VU
Muruta
Small
tree
Tree
Native
NT
Mee
Tree
Native
NT
Endemic LC
Endemic LC
Kosgonna Tree
Path kela Tree
R OS
Page 22
Fauna
Table 3.2.2 2 The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable fauna in the Project area
Family
Scientific
name
Nymphalidae
Euploea
sylvester
Notocrypta
paralysos
Onychargia
atrocyana
Orthetrum
luzonicum
Fejervarya
kirtisinghei
Hylarana
gracilis
Otocryptis
wiegmanni
Gallus lafayetii
Common
name
Double
Banded
Crow
Hesperiidae
Common
Banded
Demon
Coenagrionidae
Marsh
Dancer
Libellulidae
Marsh
Skimmer
Dicroglossidae
Kirtisinghe's
Frog
Ranidae
Sri Lanka
wood frog
Agamidae
Sri Lankan
kangaroo
lizard
Phasianidae
Sri
Lanka
Jungle fowl
Cercopithecidae Semnopithecus Sri Lanka
vetulus
Purplefaced
langur
Species
category
Species
Status
Conservation PA HG R OS
Status
Butterfly
Native
Butterfly
Native
Near
Threatened
Vulnerable
Dragonfly
Native
Vulnerable
Dragonfly
Native
* *
Near
Threatened
Amphibians Endemic Vulnerable
Amphibians Endemic LC
Reptiles
Endemic LC
Birds
Endemic LC
Mammal
Endemic Endangered
*
*
* *
* *
ABBREVIATIONS: SS Species Status, ED Endemic, CS Conservation Status, EN Endangered, OS

Open Scrublands, PA Paddy, HG Home gardens, R Rubber
3.2.3. Proximity to protected area
There are no forest reserves or wildlife reserves in the immediate line route but Thulhiriya
Forest Reserve/Koskanda Forest Reserve is located more than 100m away from the line route
in Thulhiriya. This is about 200 acres in extent and comprise of predominantly Mahogany
which are about 25 yrs old.
Page 23
The origin of this forest reserve had been a Mahogany mono-cultural plantation established by
the Forest Department about 25 years ago. However, with time due to dearth of management
this area had become naturalized. The predominant vegetation is Mahogany (Swietenia
macrophylla) trees and their seedlings while others like Halmilla (Berrya cordifolia) , Puwak
(Areca catechu), Kitul (Caryota urens) , Alstonia Lunimidella (Melia dubia),, Kaduru (Cerbera
manghas), Gadumba (Trema orientalis), Bowitiya (Melastoma malabathricum), Hik (Lannea
coramandelica), Ginisapu (Michelia champaca) also prevail.
3.3. Socio economic considerations
3.3.1. Present land use pattern
As shown in the Table 3.3.1 1 Land Use Data, lands in the project area have been used
mainly for the purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops.
The total line length is 21.4 km. and 42.64% of it traverses over paddy land whereas
37.37% and 18.79% run over home gardens and Rubber Cultivations respectively. There
were 52 families residing in or in the vicinity of line route and only 34% of them had
cultivated their home gardens (Table 3.3.1.2.). As the public roads are concerned the
proposed line crosses over two points of major roads.
Table 3.3.1 1 Land Use Data
No Land Use Data
Total Line Length
Land Usage
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Open scrubland
Rubber
Home Garden
Paddy
No of Crossing
Railway
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
River Crossing
Tanks
21.4 km
Percentage of
total line length
(%)
6.4
18.79
31.3
42.64
Corridor width
(m)
Total affected
Area (ha)
30
30
30
30
12.1
24.2
27.4
2
1
-
Table 3.3.1 2 Distribution of families by the land use

Land
Cultivated Land
Not Cultivated land
Total
Frequency
34
18
52
%
65.4
34.6
100.0
Page 24
3.3.2. Population characteristics

The proposed transmission line traverses through four divisional secretarys divisions
such as Rmbukkana, Kegalle, Galigamuwa and Warakapola in the District of Kegalle.
According to the census year 2001, the total population of Kegalle District remained at
785,524, accounting for 4.2% of the total population of the country. As estimated by the
Department of Census in 2011 that number had increased up to 837,179. However the
District percentage of the total population of the country still remains the same. The
four Divisional Secretarys Divisions under consideration of this study have a population
of 359,392 accounting for 43% of the total population of the District of Kegalle. The
distribution of population in the four Divisions is as shown in the Table 3.3.2.1. The
highest number of population (31.3%) is recorded from the Warakapola Division. Ethnic
composition of the population of those four Divisions is evident from the Table. 3.3.2.2.
Being the majority, Sinhalese accounts for 34.4%, whereas the Tamil and Muslim people
represents 2.8% and 2.6% respectively. Religious information of the people in the four
divisions is given in the Table.3.3.2.3. Accordingly 92.7% are Buddhists and the rest
belongs to other religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Catholic and Christian.
Table 3.3.2.1 1
Source
Population by Divisional Secretarys Divisions

Population
Divisions
No
%
Rambukkana
82,373
23
Kegalle
90,494
25.2
Galigamuwa
73,942
20.5
Warakapola
112,583
31.3
Total
359,392
100
:
Department of census and statistics 2011
Table 3.3.2.1 2
Distribution of Population by Ethnicity
Division
Sinhalese
Tamil
Muslim
Other
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
Table 3.3.2.1 3
78542
1028
2646
86676
2652
1051
70012
2738
715
103869
3565
5100
339101
9983
9512
(94.4%)
(2.8%)
(2.6%)
157
115
477
49
798
(0.2%)
Total
82373
90494
73942
112583
359392
(100%)
Distribution of population by the Religion
Page 25
Division
Buddhists
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
Hindu
Islam
Roman
Catholic
75093
799
2817
1282
85209
1985
1235
1488
69712
2241
1263
451
103316
2773
5731
536
333330
7798
11046
3757
(92.7% )
(2.2%) (3.1%)
(1.0%)
Other
Christian
2368
561
267
246
3442
(1.0%)
Other
Total
14
16
8
17
55
(0.01%)
82373
90494
73942
112583
359392
(100%)
3.3.3. Socio Economic status

Housing
Quality and quantity of housing units reveal socio-economic status of people in any
society. As the Divisions under consideration are concerned, majority of people live in
permanent housing units. As the Table 3.3.3 1
Distribution of Housing Units by
Divisional Secretarys Divisions indicates, 91.1% of the housing units is single storied
and only 5.6%is two storied. Line-rooms and shanty units account for only 1.2% and
0.4% of the shelters respectively. Quality of the housing units could be understood by
analyzing the principle material used for the construction of walls and roof. The Table
3.3.3 2 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction provides
data on the type of material used for building houses. There are 92,172 housing units in
the four Divisions and 67.5% of them have been constructed with bricks and another
23.8% with cement blocks and stones. The housing units that had been made of
materials such as mud, cadjans and planks account for 7% of the total number of
housing units in the four Divisions. However, housing units having cadjans for the roof
remained at 0.1%. Tiles and Asbestos have been used for 67.2% and 20.0% of housing
units respectively (Table 3.3.3 3
Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle
Material of Construction)
Table 3.3.3 1
Division
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Distribution of Housing Units by Divisional Secretarys Divisions

Single Two
Three
Attach
Flats
Twin Line Huts
storie Stor or more
ed
hous room Shan
d
ed
stored
house
e
s
ty
20168 1384
82
37
25
36
97
102
20616 1939
174
113
28
357
102
18076 919
29
39
35
497
127
26974 1364
57
55
64
254
83
other
Total
25
13
7
24
21956
23342
19729
29145
Page 26
Total
Source
85834 5606
342
244
25
163
91.1% 5.6%
0.4%
0.3%
0.02% 0.2%
:
1475
1.2%
Table 3.3.3 2
Divisional
Secretarys
Division
Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction

Cement Cabook Pressed
Brick
block
soil
Mud Cadjan Plank Other
stones
bricks
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
18088
15774
12893
15448
2021
5473
4899
9570
72
88
125
226
331
608
487
1517
1178
1184
1134
2029
67
15
86
78
Total
62203
(67.5%)
21963
(23.8%)
511
(0.6%)
2943
(3.2%)
5525
(6.0%)
246
(0.3%)
Source
414
0.4%
175
178
86
209
69
0.07%
24
22
19
68
94172
Total
21956
21342
19729
29145
734
133
92172
(0.8%) (0.1%) (100%)
Table 3.3.3 3 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction

Divisional
Tile
Asbestos Concrete
Zink,
Metal
Cadjan Other
Secretary's
Aluminum
sheet
Division
sheet
Total
Rambukkana
15037
4060
672
196
1765
200
26
21956
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
13661
13359
6293
3676
900
383
174
204
2167
1953
120
133
27
21
23342
19729
2170
8055
(8.6%)
252
705
(0.7%)
Warakapola
Total
Source
21244
4461
668
288
63301
18490
2623
862
(67.2%)
(20.0%)
(2.8%)
(0.9%)
:
62
29145
136
94172
(0.1%) (100%)
Taken as a whole, the main source of drinking water for the people of the four Divisions
is water well. More than 76% of the households depend on wells for drinking water and
only 13% are provided with pipe-born water. The rest gets water from other various
sources. (Table.3.3.3.4)
Table 3.3.3 4
Divisional
Secretary's
Division
Rambukkana
Distribution of Households by the Principle Source of Drinking water

Well
Pipe-born
Other
Total
Water
Sources
Households
16886
4020
823
22034
Page 27
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Source :
13563
6672
1245
23407
16606
707
1491
19760
25451
938
1226
29188
Table 3.3.3 5 Households by the Principle Type of Lighting provides data pertaining to
the principle type of energy used for illuminating the households. The national grid of
electricity serves 31.7% of households for lighting their houses, where as kerosene oil is
used in 8.2% of the households in the four Divisions. The percentage of households
depending on solar power, biogas and other source of energy remains below one for the
whole area.
A household survey was conducted with reference to the families residing in or in the
vicinity of the proposed transmission line route. The following Tables reveal the socioeconomic and other relevant information of families in the range of the project, as the
line traverses over their home gardens and other cultivations.
Table 3.3.3 5
Division
Households by the Principle Type of Lighting

Electricity
Kerosene Solar
Bio gas
from national
power
grid
Rambukkana
20370
1622
21
11
Kegalle
21732
1654
13
Galigamuwa
17993
1742
19
1
Warakapola
26350
2773
48
8
Total
86445
7791
101
20
(91.6%)
(8.2%)
(0.1%)
(0.02%)
Source
:
Other
Total
10
08
6
9
33
0.03%)
22034
23407
19761
29188
94390
(100%)
Apart from the information pertaining to the four Divisional Secretariats motioned
above, this household survey further provides a detailed account of the families to be
affected. The survey identified 52 such families and their distribution in the four
Divisions is as shown in the Table 3.3.3 6 Distribution of Families by Divisional
Secretariat and District. Galigamuwa and Warakapola Divisional seemed to have 75%
of households compared to others. (Table 3.3.3 6 Distribution
of
Families
by
Divisional Secretariat and District)
Table 3.3.3 6 Distribution of Families by Divisional Secretariat and District
Divisional Secretariats within the District
No. of Families
%
(Kegalle)
Warakapola
14
26.9
Page 28
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Rabukkana
Total
4
25
9
7.7
48.1
17.3
52
100
The TABLE 3.3.3 7

DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY GRAMA NILADHARI DIVISION
shows the distribution of families by GramaNiladari Divisions. They fall in to 9 Divisions
such as Egalla, Thulhiriya, Kolongalla, Walagama, kawdamulla, Talgama, Veragoda,
deldeniyaand Kandegedara. Over 67% of families live in three GN Divisions such as
Egalla (13.4%), Kawdamulla (13.5%) and Kandegedara (40.4%)
Table 3.3.3 7 Distribution of Families by Grama Niladhari Division
Grama Niladari Division
No. of Families
Egalla
Thulhiriya
Kolongalla
Walagama
Kawdamulla
Talgama
Veragoda
Deldeniya
Kandegedara
Total
7
5
3
3
7
1
2
3
21
52
13.5
9.6
5.8
5.8
13.5
1.9
3.8
5.8
40.4
100
Page 29
Graph for table 3.3.3 7
No. of Families by GN Division

25
20
15
10
5
0
As shown in the Table 3.3.3 8 Distribution of the Families by the Number of Family
Members there are 190 members in the 52 families. Families with four or more
members account for 57% of total families. Female population represents 51.1% (Table
3.3.3 9 Distribution of population of families by gender). As the age of the household
members is concerned nearly 59% is below the age of 18 years and over 60% is in
between 19 and 55 years. Only 3.2% is over the age of 65. (Table 3.3.3 10 Distribution
of population of families by Age), According to the Table 3.3.3 11 Distribution of
members of families by work or Education, only 32.6% of family members are
employed, whereas 22.6% is still school children. (Table 3.3.3.11)
Table 3.3.3 8 Distribution of the Families by the Number of Family Members
No. Family
Members
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
No. of
Families
3
7
12
16
11
3
52
Population
5.8
13.5
23.1
30.8
21.2
5.8
100
3
14
36
64
55
18
190
1.58
7.37
18.95
33.68
28.95
9.47
100.00
Page 30
Table 3.3.3 9
Distribution of population of families by gender

Gender
Male
female
Total
Table 3.3.3 10
93
97
190
48.9
51.1
100.0
Distribution of population of families by Age

Age category
Below 18 years
19-30years
31-55years
56-65years
Above 65 years
Total
Table 3.3.3 11
No. of People %
No. of People
55
37
78
14
6
190
%
28.9
19.5
41.1
7.4
3.2
100.0
Distribution of members of families by work or Education
work or Education
Number
Employed
School children
Pre- school
Total
62
43
11
190
32.6
22.6
5.8
100.0
Land Possession
The TABLE 3.3.3 12 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE QUANTITY OF LAND POSSESSION 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 65% of families the quantity of land ranged between 0.125 Acre and 0.26 Acre. Another
21% of families live in lands less than 0.5 Acre in quantity. (Table 3.3.3.12). The nature of land
ownership is as shown in the TABLE 3.3.3 13
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE NATURE
OF LAND OWNERSHIP. Accordingly 86.5% of households claimed private ownership for their
land whereas 3.8% of households were on leased lands. The rest 9.6% had no legal possession.
Table 3.3.3 12 Distribution of families by the quantity of Land Possession
Quantity of land
Less than 0.125 acre
above0.125 to 0.25 acre
Frequency
14
20
%
26.9
38.5
Page 31
above e0.25 to 0.5 acre

above 1 to 2 acre
above 5 acre
Total
11
6
1
52
21.2
11.5
1.9
100.0
Table 3.3.3 13 Distribution of families by the nature of land Ownership

Land ownership
Private lands
Lease lands
Other(No Deeds/No Permits)
Total
frequency
45
2
5
52
%
86.5
3.8
9.6
100.0
Residence of people
As the residence is concerned, 94.2% of families have been in their lands as permanent
residents and only 3 families (5.8%) live as temporary residents. (TABLE 3.3.3 14 Distribution
of families by the residence). The period of residence is, over for 10 years for 67.3% families
and between 6 and 10 years for 7.7% of families. The rest has been there for less than 5 years (
TABLE 3.3.3 15
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE PERIOD OF RESIDENCE). Except one
family living in a wattle and daub house, all the families possess permanent houses but with
limited space (TABLE 3.3.3 16
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE CONDITION OF THE
HOUSE). The floor area of houses of 77% of families ranged between 500 and 1000 square feet.
Only 11% of families responded to have floor areas over 1000 square feet (TABLE 3.3.3 17
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE QUANTITY OF FLOOR AREA). Additional building is
available only for 32% of families in their residential lands. (TABLE 3.3.3 18
AVAILABILITY
OF THE OTHER BUILDINGS SITUATED IN THE HOUSEHOLD LANDS)
Table 3.3.3 14 Distribution of families by the residence
Residence
Permanent
temporary
Total
frequency
49
3
52
%
94.2
5.8
100
Table 3.3.3 15 Distribution of families by the period of residence

Period of residency
Below two year
year 2 -5
year 6-10
More than 10
No response
Total
frequency
3
6
4
35
4
52
%
5.8
11.5
7.7
67.3
7.7
33
Page 32
Table 3.3.3 16 Distribution of families by the condition of the House

Condition of the house
Permanent Building in Good Condition
Wattle and daub house
Total
frequency
51
1
52
%
98
2
100
Table 3.3.3 17 Distribution of families by the quantity of floor area

Square Feats of the floor
<500
501-1000
1001-2000
>2001
NR
Total
Frequency
19
21
5
1
6
16
%
36.5
40.4
9.6
1.9
11.5
100.0
Table 3.3.3 18 Availability of the other buildings situated in the household lands
Building
No any other building
Other buildings(Toilets/Store/Ect)
Total
frequency %
35
17
52
67.3
32.7
100
Use of mass media and IT

Being the most popular electronic media, television is available for 92.3% of the families (TABLE
3.3.3 19
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE USE OF TELEVISION SETS) Radio sets are
used by 82.7% of respondents (TABLE 3.3.3 20
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE USE OF
RADIO) Though 92.3% of families possesses television sets, only 76.9% of them have erected
antennas. Most of the families (72.5%) have fixed them outside the house, whereas 22.5% have
fixed them over the roof of the house. (TABLE 3.3.3 21
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE
USE OF ANTENNA and TABLE 3.3.3 22
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE PLACE WHERE
THE ANTENNA IS FIXED) The mean height of the antenna is 12.5 feet and the maximum height
being 15 feet. (TABLE 3.3.3 23
HEIGHT OF THE ANTENNA) Computers are available for
only 30.8% of the 52 families (TABLE 3.3.3 24
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE USE OF
COMPUTERS) However, only 7 families (13.5%) reported the use of internet facilities. (TABLE
3.3.3 25
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE USE OF INTERNET FACILITY)
Page 33
Table 3.3.3 19 Distribution of families by the use of television sets

Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
48
92.3
4
7.7
52
100
Table 3.3.3 20 Distribution of families by the use of radio

Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
43
82.7
9
17.3
52
100
Table 3.3.3 21 Distribution of families by the use of antenna

Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
40
76.9
12
23.1
52
100
Table 3.3.3 22 Distribution of families by the place where the antenna is fixed
Place
Inside the house
Fixed on roof
Fixed outside
Total
frequency
2
9
29
40
%
5
22.5
72.5
100
Table 3.3.3 23 Height of the antenna

Height of the Antenna
N
Mean height
Maximum height
Statistics
40
12.55feet
15 feet
Table 3.3.3 24 Distribution of families by the use of Computers

Response
frequency %
yes
16
30.8
No
36
69.2
Total
52
100
Table 3.3.3 25 Distribution of families by the use of Internet Facility
Response
frequency
%
Page 34
yes
No
Total
7
45
52
13.5
86.5
100.0
Domestic industries
As the domestic industries are concerned, only 15.4% of families reported to have such
industries (TABLE 3.3.3 26
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE AVAILABILITY OF
DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES).
Table 3.3.3 26 Distribution of families by the availability of domestic industries
Response
yes
No
Total
frequency
8
44
52
%
15.4
84.6
100.0
Occupation of householders
The information given in the TABLE 3.3.3 27 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE
OCCUPATION OF HOUSEHOLDER show the types of occupation and the number of
householders involved in them. State sector permanent employees represent only 15.4
of householders, whereas permanent employees in the private sector represent 5.8%.
Over 15% are employed in temporary capacities in the private sector. Self employment
accounts for 46.2% of householders. Over 13% has not directly revealed their means of
living. (TABLE 3.3.3 28
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY THE OCCUPATION
CATEGORY OF HOUSEHOLDER)
Table 3.3.3 27 Distribution of families by the occupation of householder
Occupation
Farming/Agriculture
Meson/Carpenter/Driver
Labor
Small Business
security/Police/Army
Government officer/Teacher
No Occupation
Private sector
Not mentioned
Total
Frequency
9
10
2
10
6
6
1
2
6
52
%
17.3
19.2
3.8
19.2
11.5
11.5
1.9
3.8
11.5
100
Economic Status of residents
Page 35
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 3.3.3 28 DISTRIBUTION
OF FAMILIES BY THE OCCUPATION CATEGORY OF HOUSEHOLDER. For over 36% of
families the monthly income ranged between Rs. 5000 and 25000. Over 25% 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 17
families (32.7%) remained silent without responding to the question of their monthly
income.
Table 3.3.3 28 Distribution of families by the occupation category of householder
Occupation category
Permanent Government Job
Permanent Privet sector job
Temporary privet sector
Self Employment
Retired
Not mentioned
Total
Frequency
8
3
8
24
2
7
52
%
15.4
5.8
15.4
46.2
3.8
13.5
100
Table 3.3.3 29 Distribution of families by the level of monthly income

Income range
Rs 5000-15000
Rs15001-25000
Rs25001-50000
Above Rs.50000
No Response
Total
Frequency
8
11
13
3
17
52
%
15.4
21.2
25
5.8
32.7
100
Future plans for constructions

Questioned about plans for any future construction in their residential lands, only 9.6%
responded affirmative. The rest majority had no such plans at the time of survey (TABLE
3.3.3 30
FUTURE PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION IN THE LAND). Three families plan
to construct or/and reconstruct houses for residential purposes and two families have
plans for constructing buildings for business purposes (TABLE 3.3.3 32
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY PREFERENCE FOR THE PROPOSED POWER LINE)
Table 3.3.3 30 Future Plans for construction in the land
Response
Frequency
Page 36
Yes
No
Total
5
47
52
9.6
90.4
100.0
Table 3.3.3 31 Type of Construction

construction
House/Reconstructions
Building for Business
Total
Frequency
3
2
5
%
60
40
100
Table 3.3.3 32 Distribution of families by preference for the proposed power line
Response
Yes
No
No response
Total
Frequency
23
23
6
52
%
44.2
44.2
11.5
100.0
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, 44.2% of families expressed their
opposition to it a similar number accepts the project. Six families (15.5%) are on the
fence being unable to have a proper calculation of the project. (TABLE 3.3.3 32
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY PREFERENCE FOR THE PROPOSED POWER LINE)
Furthermore, their willingness to accept the project was questioned to learn about
reasons and the responses are as mentioned in the
TABLE 3.3.3 33
Distributions of families by willing to accept the proposed power
line by reason. Over 65% of positive respondents has seen the project from the
perspective of national development and had realized its necessity as an infrastructure
facility. Only 2 families (8.7%) agree with the project on the compensation to be
provided for any damage to their properties (Table 3.3.3 34
Distributions
of
families by unwilling to accept the proposed power line by reason)
Those who opposed the project also responded giving reasons for their stand. Over 30%
of negative respondents are highly concerned with the problem of decreasing economic
value of their land and properties caused by the power projects. Another 39.1% is
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 two families. They were afraid of losing
Page 37
their current income. (Table 3.3.3 34 Distributions of families by unwilling to accept the
proposed power line by reason)
Table 3.3.3 33 Distributions of families by willing to accept the proposed power line by reason
Reason
Necessary for
Because of Compensation
Because it is Compulsory
No response
Total
Frequency
15
2
2
4
23
%
65.2
8.7
8.7
17.4
100
Table 3.3.3 34 Distributions of families by unwilling to accept the proposed power line by reason
Reason
No response
Loss of value of lands
Risk/Unsafe
Loss of trees
Not Trusted on
Loss of Income source
Total
Frequency
2
7
9
2
1
2
23
%
8.7
30.4
39.1
8.7
4.3
8.7
100
Table 3.3.3 35 Distribution of families willing to accept a reasonable compensation and allow the
uprooting of Trees
Response
Yes
No
No response
Total
Frequency
27
16
9
52
%
17.3
51.9
30.8
100
Willingness to accept compensation

Peoples willingness to accept reasonable compensation and to allow the project to
proceed with its tasks of clearing land and home gardens was also asked in the survey
and their responses are given in the Table 3.3.3 35 Distribution of families willing to
accept a reasonable compensation and allow the uprooting of Trees. Only 27 families
(51.9%) expressed their will to accept reasonable compensations for the damage to be
caused to their land and properties, including cultivations. However, 30.7% rejected to
accept compensation on the assumptions such as decreasing land and property value,
Page 38
suspicion over getting a reasonable compensation and loss of valuable cultivation

(TABLE 3.3.3 37
DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY REASONS GIVEN FOR THE
UNWILLING TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION AND ALLOW THE UPROOTING OF TREES) Those
accepting the compensation reiterated the same reason given for their positive stand
towards the project (TABLE 3.3.3 36 DISTRIBUTION OF FAMILIES BY REASONS GIVEN
FOR THE WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION AND ALLOW THE UPROOTING OF
TREES).
Table 3.3.3 36 Distribution of families by reasons given for the willingness to accept compensation
and allow the uprooting of trees
Reasons
No response
Development of the country
Because of Compensation
Because it is Compulsory
Total
Frequency
8
5
8
6
27
%
29.6
18.5
29.6
22.2
100
Table 3.3.3 37 Distribution of families by reasons given for the unwilling to accept compensation and
allow the uprooting of trees
Reasons
No Response
Loss of value of the land
Loss of trees
Because it is compulsory
No trust on Compensation
Total
Frequency
3
4
4
4
1
16
%
18.8
25
25
25
6.3
100
Page 39
4. ENVIRONMENTEL IMPACTS
4.1. Construction Impacts State Briefly the following
4.1.1. Physical Resources
4.1.1.1.
Impacts on surface water quality due to soil erosion and silting
Construction and operation of power transmission lines have minimal impact on surface
or ground water quality. Water bodies may contaminate due to spilling of construction
materials and surface runoff from construction site. If the surface runoff meets the river,
there may be temporary increase in turbidity level of the river. When the soil is
excavated to erect towers, they should be levelled so that this would not disrupt the
movement of water and drainage. During the construction of foundations in paddy
fields, the soil excavated will be generally utilized for backfilling, except in rare
connections where excavated soil is not suitable for backfilling. In such cases, the
excavated soil would not be left in the paddy field, but will be carried away and dumped
in a suitable place. Considering the relatively small amount of excess soil, in most of the
cases these are given to the neighbouring landowners, upon their request. If such
places are not readily available, a proper place/s for dumping excess soil would be
located in consultation with relevant DS, and levelled properly.
Project activities including excavation, cut and fill operations, removal of trees and
green cover vegetation etc., will enhance the soil erosion during the rainy season. The
impact on soils will be due to the soil erosion at the tower construction site and along
the access routes. Excavation activity and land clearance in the erosion prone areas
have to be minimized while conducting site selection for towers. Leveling and
stabilization of tower construction sites will be done after completion of construction
activities which will avoid increased acceleration of surface runoff and damage to the
topsoil.
4.1.1.2. Impacts of tower construction activities on hydrological patterns 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. Also proposed activities may create
temporary impacts to the existing drainage system in the area including irrigation
canals, natural flow paths, and also the earth and line drain. Thus, it will create
temporary inundation closer to the above locations during rainy season. Various
Page 40
mitigation measures to minimize anticipated impact due to obstruction of natural flow

paths and existing drainage are listed in the following chapter.
Proposed land for Kegalle GSS is adjacent to Gongan Ela and its development activities
will include filling of the existing land above 1.2m from Kandy road level. Since the filling
will be carried out totally outside the reservation of Gongan Ela, no impact will be
caused to the hydrological pattern of it. All filling activities will be carried out under
guidelines of SLLRDC with minimum hindrance to local drainage patterns.
4.1.1.3. Impacts on fauna and flora or on existing habitats due to changing land use
patterns
Proposed route alignment does not cross any protected forest or wildlife areas or
ecologically sensitive wetland. As mentioned earlier on section 2.3.2 about present land
use, this line does not traverse any natural forest areas or forest plantations. No land
use change take place when power line follows paddy fields which is the highest
percentage of land use type (42.64%) traversed by the transmission line. Paddy
cultivation can be continuing even under the tower itself. Rubber and home gardens are
the secondly most affected by transmission line. Since all the trees growing above 3m
height will have to be removed/ pruned along 30m corridor along the transmission line
route, number of trees removed would be high in rubber plantations, and home gardens
with high-grown trees. Rubber plantations and home gardens are generally considered
as degraded habitats. Hence impacts in such areas are also relatively lesser.
Ecological impacts related to flora and fauna on existing habitats is addressed under
chapter 5.
4.1.1.4.
Impacts on canals, other irrigation structure and water bodies
As tower locations will be carefully selected away from natural steams, irrigation canals and
water bodies, the construction and operation of the power lines will not have any major
impact on the surface and ground water quality in the area.
Ground water pollution can take place, if chemical substances and oily waste get leached by
precipitation of water and percolate to the ground water table. For transmission line
construction activity, no chemical substance or oil is used hence there is no impact on
ground water quality. The silt discharge from the earthwork around water bodies, oil,
grease and fuel release from the construction vehicles/equipment and spoil from
construction and other construction related activities such as raw sewerage from worker
accommodation sites will mix with runoff water. This situation will increase during the rainy
season and have a critical impact on surface and ground water.
Page 41
4.1.1.5. Impacts on other proposed or planned government / private sector /

development activities in the vicinity
As per regulations enacted by GoSL, it is mandatory for CEB to seek clearance prior to
construction from highways, railways, telecommunications and wherever necessary
from aviation authorities that are likely to be affected by construction of lines. In case
of any interference of utilities, CEB wishes to follow best practice guidelines.
Northern expressway
Accordingly CEB has written to Road Development Authority to provide RoW of
Northern Expressway in Devalegama area. Any line crossing with road corridor will be
constructed with adherence to technical specifications and RDA guidelines.
Road Development Authority has planned a new highway from Enderamulla to
Habarana to be constructed in four stages. Stage 3 of this new road has been proposed
to build from Ambepussa to Katugastota. According to the preliminary layout made
available to CEB by RDA, several sections of this road corridor and transmission line
share same right of way, particularly in Devalegama area.
RDA is currently in the process of optimizing the ROW. CEB will work in close
coordination with RDA during the project implementation period to come up with most
cost effective, technically and environmentally sound solution beneficial to the country.
4.1.2. Human and socio - economic impacts
4.1.2.1. Public safety / potential relocation of people etc.
Safety
As the proposed transmission line carrying 132 KV runs over an area that is under complete use
for cultivation of paddy, Rubber and other crops of home gardens and also for residential
purposes characterized with higher human activities, movements, and settlements with higher
population density , 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.
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 52 families with 190 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 ,nearly29% are below the age of 18 years
and 3.2% are over 65 years of age who deserve special attention with reference to safety under
any project activity.
Page 42
As highvoltage 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.
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
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
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 52 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.
Land for the proposed grid station
For the construction of Kegalle new grid substation, all the arrangements have been made to
purchase approx.5 acres of land earmarked for proposed development from 8 Nos. of its
owners. All the owners have already given their consent for selling the lots owned by them,
and the official process for purchase of the land is underway.
Existing access road in the Grid station location
The access road leading to four lands which runs through the land identified for the
construction of the sub-station in Kagalla. Project should take action to relocate the said road
Page 43
(with same width of the existing road) along the boundary of the land to be purchased. The
people of the village are also prepared to accept such an alternative within the land area of the
project.
4.1.2.2.
Impact on the agriculture / plantation sector and land use of the area
Impact on the land use pattern

As shown in the Table 4.1.2.2 1, lands in the project area have been used mainly for the
purposes of residents, cultivation of paddy, commercial and other crops. The total line length is
21.5 km. and 42.64% of it traverses over paddy land whereas 37.37% and 18.79% run over
home gardens and Rubber Cultivations respectively. There were 52 families residing in or in the
vicinity of line route and only 34% of them had cultivated their home gardens (Table 4. 2.), as
the public roads are concerned the proposed line crosses over two points of major roads.
Table 4.1.2.2 1
Land Use in the line route
No Land Use Data
Total Line Length
21.5 km
Percentage of total
Land Usage
line length (%)
i)
Coconut
ii) Rubber
18.79
iii) Home Garden
37.37
iv) Paddy
42.64
No of Crossing
i)
Railway
ii) Major (A ,B type )road crossing
2
iii) River Crossing
iv) Tanks
-
Corridor width
(m)
30
30
30
30
Total affected
Area (ha)
12.1
24.2
27.4
Table 4.1.2.2 2
Distribution of families by the land use
Land
Frequency %
Cultivated Land
34
65.4
Not Cultivated land
18
34.6
Total
52
100.0
Paddy lands
The proposed transmission line traverses for 42.64% of its total length over paddy fields.
Selection of this line route over paddy lands avoids a serious impact on residential areas and
plantations with high grown crops such as Rubber, Jack, Teak etc. However one cannot ignore
its impact on the paddy fields 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
Page 44
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.
Rubber cultivations
As mentioned earlier Rubber cultivations are subjected to 18.8% of the total length of the
power line and that length with its due width is to be cleared removing all the high grown trees.
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 35% of the 52
households under consideration earn Rs. 25000 or less than per month.
Home gardens
The construction of transmission line affects considerable portion of home gardens over which
the line traverses for 31.3% 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.
4.1.2.3.
Other socio economic impacts / benefits if any :
Limitations of the construction of buildings
Page 45
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
People in the areas 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.
Quality improvement of electricity supply
With new substation to be built in Kegalle, number of current issues in electricity supply to
surrounding areas to be resolved. New substation will eliminate lengthy 33kV lines which
currently supply Kegalle, Mawanella, Polgahawela and Rambukkana areas from
Kiribathkumbura and Thulhiriya GSSs. 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.
4.1.3. Ecological Resources
4.1.3.1.
Impacts on existing habitats in and around the project site
The transmission line traverses across paddy lands (42.64%) followed by home gardens
(31.3%) and then rubber plantations (18.8%). When floral species diversity was considered
the highest was in home gardens followed by paddy lands and then rubber lands and lastly
open scrublands. Despite the fact that two endemic species were found in home gardens
compared with one each in paddy lands and open scrublands when percentage endemism
was taken highest is found in open scrublands (9.09%) followed by paddy lands (4.54%) and
then in home gardens (2.08%). With regards to the occurrence of species with high
conservation status, two nationally threatened species were encountered in the home
gardens while one was encountered in paddy lands. Rubber plantations and open
scrublands did not have any. With regards to the vulnerable species, one species was
Page 46
encountered in home gardens. Therefore when taken as a summary for the flora, the
percentage endemism and species with high conservation status was highest in home
gardens (71.42%) followed by paddy lands (28.57%) and then open scrublands (14.28%).
However, when the project area is taken overall, the level of endemism of flora is 3.37%
while the percentage of nationally threatened species is 2% and the percentage of
vulnerable species is 0.67%.
With regards to fauna, the habitats exhibited a relatively high biodiversity. Paddy lands and
open scrublands exhibited the highest (26.84% and 25.79% respectively) followed by home
gardens and rubber plantations (23.68% and 23.0% respectively). There were two endemic
amphibians and one endemic bird found in the paddy lands. Percentage endemism was
highest in open scrublands (6.12%) followed by paddy lands (5.9%), home gardens (4.4%)
and rubber plantations (4.44%). With regards to the species with high conservation status,
the percentage of endangered species was 2.22% in all the habitats except in paddy lands.
Percentage vulnerable species was highest in paddy lands (4.44%) followed by rubber
plantations. Paddy lands recorded the highest near threatened species percentage (4%)
followed by rubber plantations (2.22%) and open scrublands (2.04%).
When the species diversity was considered, highest was recorded in birds (33.73%) followed
by butterflies (26.50%), reptiles (10.84%), dragonflies (8.41%) and mammals (4.81%).
Despite the fact that there was a high biodiversity in birds they were rather common in
almost all the habitats. However, dragonflies were more prevalent in paddy lands.
Amphibians were seen in paddy lands as well as wet areas in open scrublands. While
reptiles were common to all the habitats mammals were seen mostly in other habitats
except in paddy lands.
Impact of the project on the habitats
The major impact that will arise from the construction of the transmission line on
ecosystems is the removal of trees more than 3m height in a corridor of about 35m. When
considering the percentage occurrence of trees in the habitats along the line route, out of
the total species found, 27.27% species are trees which will be removed. Despite the fact
that there is high species diversity in home gardens, only 16.66% of the species
encountered are trees. In rubber plantations all the trees on the corridor have to be
removed. In the open scrublands, 63.63% of the species are trees. Due to the removal of
the trees in the line corridor of about 35m disturbance and discontinuity will incur to the
habitats which will affect both plants and animals. Despite the fact that the major
disturbance will be during the construction period, due to the discontinuity of the corridors
the impact on the same on animals especially on those who are slow moving could be
significant. Further, this will impact on the biodiversity of the habitats.
Page 47
In order to ascertain the significance of the impact of the project on the habitats and their
function, a scoring system was developed (Impact Score) using the following criteria.
The extent of the habitat affected

Present status of disturbance
% Biodiversity
% Endemism
Percentage occurrence of species with high conservation status (CR, EN, NT, VU)
Marks were given from 1-5, the 1 being the least affected while 5 being the most affected.
The results are shown below;
Table 4.1.3.2 1
Rating of habitats for their importance in biodiversity, endemism and
conservation status
Habitat
type
Extent
affected
%
Level of
disturba
nce
Biodiversity Endemism CR
%
%
%
EN %
NT %
VU %
Total
score
Paddy
Home
Rubber
Open
42.64 (3)
31.3 (3)
18.79 (2)
6.4 (1)
2
3
2
1
20.85 (2)
44.27 (3)
18.25 (2)
16.605 (2)
0
2.22 (3)
2.22 (3)
2.04 (3)
4.27 (2)
2.08 (2)
1.1 (2)
1.2 (2)
2
2.52 (1)
1.11 (1)
1.02 (1)
14
18
14
14
5.22 (4)
3.24 (3)
2.22 (2)
7.6 (4)
Land area affected
More than 80% (5); 40-80% (4); 20-40% (3); 10-20% (2);
less than 10% (1)
Biodiversity
More than 60% (5); 40-60% (4); 20-40 % (3) 10-20% (2)
0-10% (1)
Endemism
More than 10% (5), 5 -10% (4); 2.5 5% (3), 1-2.5 % (2); < 1
Conservation Status CR 5; EN >10% (4); EN < 10% (3); NT > 10% (3);
NT < 10% (2);
VU > 10% (2) ;
VU < 10% (1)
From 20 25
From 15 20
From 10 15
From 0 5
: The disturbance on the habitat will be highly significant

: The disturbance on the habitat will be moderately significant
: The disturbance on the habitat will be less significant
: There will be no significant impact on the habitat
Based on the above rating, it could be concluded that of the habitats affected by the Project,
home gardens will be moderately affected while the affect on the paddy, rubber and open
scrublands will be less affected, As the home gardens provide a, means of connectively of the
ecosystems especially for the fauna with special reference to arboreal fauna, creation of gaps
by felling trees > 3m height will have a significant negative impact on their movement. Despite
the fact that the impact on rubber plantations in a biodiversity perspective is less, due to felling
of large number of trees > 3m height the plantation will be negatively affected. As there are
Page 48
many birds in all these habitats, when trees are removed the trees used by birds for roosting
and nesting will be affected and in turn their continuity will be affected. However, in these
ecosystems except for Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl other birds are not endemic or with high
conservation status. Due to the clearing of trees especially in the home gardens, rubber
plantations and also open scrublands, the arboreal mammal (Sri Lanka Purple Faced Langur)
and other animals like squirrels, monkeys etc. will be affected. Due to the ground clearing along
the transmission line, habitats of ground inhabiting animals like amphibians, reptiles etc. will be
affected; such openings will encourage the encroachment of these natural and naturalized
habitats reducing the habitats for wildlife further. During the construction of the towers which
are situated 300m apart, there would be lot of activity especially during the day time which
includes noises from equipment, vehicles and others which affects the fauna adversely. The
conglomeration of a large labour force located in labour camps during the construction period,
may cause intrusion into the day to day life of the area as well as cause disposal of waste both
solid and liquid to the surrounding land uses causing pollution.
Another prominent impact especially during the operational stage is the electrocution of fauna.
The types of animals which will be mostly at risk are arboreal mammals and birds. Animals
cannot understand that electrical power lines and transformers carry deadly current. To
monkeys and other arboreal wildlife, power poles and lines look like trees and vines. When an
animal grasps a live electrical line while its feet or trail touches the parallel line beneath it, a
deadly circuit formed, and it is electrocuted. However, in the design of this high tension 220 kV
power line, about 4m is kept vertically between two parallel lines and 10m distance kept
horizontally and therefore there is a remote chance for an animal to touch two lines which is a
prerequisite for electrocution. However, at the proximal end where the lines are hanged to the
tower, there is a chance of this happening as the distance becomes small. Further, a distance of
17.5m is kept on either side of the transmission line as the buffer area so that the animals
jumping on to the transmission line from nearby trees is very remote. However, if the
transmission line is not kept clean of vegetation there is a chance of damage to wildlife from
tree branches and vines, touching a live line.
Impacts to wetlands
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 impact 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 temporary damage to wetland soils and vegetation.
Page 49
Construction and maintenance equipment that crosses wetlands can stir up sediments,
endangering fish and other aquatic life.
Clearing forested areas can expose the land 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 scrub forests/forests
There are no high canopied forest areas along the transmission line route. At Thulhiriya, the
Thulhirikanda Forest Reserve is located more than 100m from the line route. However, there
are scrub lands with scattered trees in certain sections of the line route. However, the impact
on these will be less as the occurrence of trees more than 3m height occurring on the line route
is not a common occurrence.
Impact on the Project on the survival of the species with high conservation status
The following criteria was used in the development of a scoring system to assess the impact of
the Project on the survival of the species in the habitats with special reference to those who are
endemic and having high conservation status. The parameters of the criteria were;
Conservation Status
Global distribution
Distribution in Sri Lanka
Mobility of the species
When conservation status of the species was considered the maximum scoring was given to the
critically endangered species (5 marks) followed by endangered species (4 marks), Data
Deficient species (3 marks), Near Threatened species (2 marks) and vulnerable species (1 mark).
When the global distribution of the species was considered, endemic species were given 5
marks while those having a distribution in both Sri Lanka and India were given 4 marks. Those
who are prevalent in South Asia were given 3 marks while those in Asia were given 2 marks. The
species having a wide distribution across continents were given 1 mark.
Page 50
When the distribution of a species within Sri Lanka was considered, 5 marks were given to
those who are found only in the Project area. The species found in another climatic zone were
given 4 marks while those that inhabit more than one climatic zone were given 2 marks.
When mobility of the species was considered, those who have higher mobility and could move
fast will be less affected than those who have less mobility. Species having highest mobility
were given 1 mark (birds) while those having little mobility can be given 5.
Table 4.1.3.2 2
Species
the details of the assessment and the rating done on the floral species encountered
CS
Global distribution
C E D N V Endemic to
R N D T U Sri Lanka
Walidda
antidysenterica
(Idda)
Garcinia
quaesita
(Goraka)
Cycas nathorstii
(Madu)
Lagerstroemia
speciosa
(Murutha)
Madhuca
longifolia
(Mee)
Ficus fergusoni
(Kosgonna)
Bridelia mooni
(Path kela)
From 10-15
From 5-10
From 0-5
Distribution in SL
In
In S. In
India Asi Asia
and a
SL
In other Restrict Found

contine ed to
in one
nts too Project climatic
area
zone
Found
in more
than
one
climatic
zones
Over
all
ratin
g
5
5
: Significant impact on the survival of species

: Moderate impact on the survival of species
: Low impact on the survival of species
Page 51
Table 4.1.3.2 3
encountered
Species
The details of the assessment and the rating done on the faunal species
CS
Global
distribu
tion
C E D N V Endemi
R N D T U c to Sri
Lanka
Euploea
sylvester
(Double branded
crow)
Notocrypta
paralysos
(Common
banded demon)
Onychargia
atrocyana
(Marsh dancer)
Orthetrum
luzonicum
(Marsh skimmer)
Fejervarya
kirtisinghei
In
India
and
SL
In S.
Asia
In
Asia
In
other
contin
ents
1
Rest
rict
ed
to
Foun
d in
othe
r
1 5
Otocryptis
wiegmanni
(Sri Lanka
Kangaroo Lizard)
Gallus lafayetii
(Sri Lanka Jungle
Fowl)
Fou
nd
on
mor
2
Level
of
mobi
lity
&
Over
all
ratin
g
11
12
11
11
11
Hylarana gracilis
(Sri Lanka Wood
Frog)
From 15-20
From 10-15
From 5-10
From 0-5
Distributio
n in SL
()
: Significant impact on the survival of species

: Moderate impact on the survival of species
: Low impact on the survival of species
: No impact on the survival of species
Page 52
When the probable impacts on the survival of species in different habitats were considered,
the proposed project will have moderate impacts on the survival of the following species;
Orthetrum luzonicum (Marsh skimmer)

Fejervarya kirtisinghei (Frog)
Hylarana gracilis (Sri Lanka Wood Frog)
Otocryptis wiegmanni (Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard)
Gallus lafayetii (Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl)
Therefore, despite the fact that the line route traverses along paddy lands major part of its
route, the impact on the trees on the borders cannot be considered as non significant.
Impact on this on paddy lands is minimal as there are fewer trees compared with other
habitats. The impact on the open scrublands will also be small as these areas are dominated
by shrubs and the trees are seen scattered. The impact on the rubber plantations and the
home gardens are the most as these ecosystems are dominated by trees.
Impacts on agriculture/plantation sector and land use of the area
The proposed transmission line has been planned to traverse above paddy lands for about
42.64% of its path followed by 31.3% over home gardens, 18.79% over rubber lands, about
6.4 % above scrub forest areas. When it is traversing along the paddy lands it is not
expected to change the land use very much. However, when an area of 30m is cleared from
home gardens leaving only trees which are less than 3m in height, the land use of the same
will be affected. It has been estimated that an area equivalent to 12 ha of rubber
plantations in the Kegalle Districts will be removed and therefore the land use of these
areas will be changed. Since there are only scattered trees in the scrub forest areas the
impact on this is not very significant.
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 due to the erection of the towers. As
about 4~9m2 per leg has to be excavated at the depth of 2m 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 have 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 or lubricants may occur due to plant and
machinery breakdowns and carelessness of workers. If these pollutants move into streams,
Page 53
rivers, lagoons, or ponds even the ground water can get contaminated. Water plants and
fish can also be affected. Due to the small scale and scattered nature of construction,
intensity of such impact is very minimal. Further, even during the operational period, the
presence of towers and power lines on top will hinder the use of high tech equipment in
farming i.e. combined harvester.
Rubber cultivations
According to the land use along the transmission line, 12 ha of rubber lands will be directly
affected. About 19,200 rubber trees will be lost to the country. When an average yield of
rubber plantations is taken as 1200 kg/ha/yr the yield loss from rubber will be 14,400 kg/yr.
Therefore, the loss of these trees should be compensated adequately. The advice of the
Rubber Cultivation Board should be requested with regard to designing a proper
compensation package for this.
Home gardens
About 24.2 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 30m 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 land, 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.
4.1.3.2.
Impact on mitigatory patterns of fauna in the region
When considering the habitats affected by the Project, the highest faunal biodiversity was
exhibited by paddy lands (26.84%) followed by open scrublands (25.78%) and then home
gardens and rubber plantations. The main contributors for the relatively high biodiversity
are the birds which roamed across all the habitats. Further butterflies were also abundant in
all the habitats while dragonflies were more abundant in paddy lands. However, due to
their high mobility the impact of a development project will be much less on them as they
are not localized. Reptiles were also common in all the habitats and they too have high
mobility and can move out of disturbance. With regard to mammals, there is an endemic
and endangered monkey (Sri Lanka Purple Faced Langur) seen in all the habitats except in
paddy lands. As they are arboreal animals, they would prefer to have continuous canopy for
their free movement. Due to the Project, there would be felling of trees and therefore their
free movement will be affected and they will also become a nuisance to households and
could create an environmental and social issue. The faunal species which would be most
Page 54
affected will be amphibians which inhabit the streams associated with paddy lands. There
are two endemic frogs i.e. Kirtisinghe's Frog and Sri Lanka wood frog that are also endemic.
The former is vulnerable too. As major land use affected (42.64%) is paddy the impact on
the amphibians due to the project could be high especially since they are less mobile and
would be localized.
4.2. Safety and security
4.2.1. State briefly the structural safety of the transformers and transmission lines specially
during unpredictable operational loads
Transmission lines are designed to trip out of service (turn off), if they fall and touch
ground or contact trees. Transmission lines are not likely to fall unless encounters a severe
impact such as hit by a tornado or a truck or due to anthropogenic activity. All the tower
types are been tested for critical load combinations in state of the art laboratory facilities
in India. Therefore it can be certain that structural failure of towers is very unlikely.
4.2.2. State briefly lightning danger from transformers and transmission lines:
Tall objects such as transmission towers, poles and trees are more likely to intercept
lightning strikes. Transmission lines are therefore usually built with a grounded shield wire
at the top of the poles. This protects the transmission line from lightning. Lightning is not
more 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.
4.2.3. Indicate the possibility of any accidental hazards or fire hazards:
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 on an object that is taller than 15 to 17 feet under
and overhead high-voltage electric line. Individual with specific concerns about whether it
is safe to operate vehicles or farm equipment near transmission lines should contact their
electricity provider directly.
4.2.4. Provide proposed precautionary measures / safeguard:
a. Workers :
Personal protective equipment like safety gloves, helmet, mufflers etc. will be provided
during the construction period and during the maintenance work. First aid facilities will be
made available with the labor gangs and doctors called in from nearby towns when
necessary. The safety and emergency procedures manual will be kept. Necessary training
regarding the safety aspects of the personnel working at the project site will be provided.
Page 55
b. Communities in the neighborhood:

It will be ensured that anybody working on the property is properly briefed on the
electrical infrastructure, clearance zones and plant, machinery and equipment
specifications.
c. Surrounding environment to be taken in the event of any possible accident, fire
hazards:
Activities may create accidental damage to public and the construction workers.
Therefore, contractors should take necessary action to enhance personal safety
during the Construction through the following measures:
Organize awareness programs relevant to the personal safety of the workers and the
public in the area. Installation of warning signs to particular locations such as
transverse points of local road network of transmission lines. Provide protective safety
belts, footwear, helmets, goggles, eye-shields, and clothes of workers depending on their
duty. Arrangement of proper first aid unit, fire fighting gear and transport facilities to
take injured people to the hospitals.
4.2.5. Impact on visual environment, historical sites and sites of special values
No archeological, historical or cultural important sites are affected by the construction of
the line. During profile survey, it is ensured that the proposed route of transmission line
does not affect any public places like playgrounds, schools, places of worship or other
similar establishment etc,. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the most important tourist
attraction in the area and selected line route option traverses about 4km away from it.
Proposed line does not traverse places of known archeological importance.
4.3.
Railway Tracks & Highways & Road Development

Proposed alignment of transmission line does not interfere with railway tracks but crosses
several A and B grade roads.
This transmission line crosses A6 road near to Exsisting Thulhiriya Substation, B539
Nelundeniya- Alawwa Road in Ragalkanda GN division, A19 Polgahawela- Kegalle Highway in
Walagama GN division, B 199 Karandupona- Rambukkana Road in Galpala GN division.
Issues related to proposed Northern expressway is discussed in section 4.1.1.5
4.3.1. Provide the details in regard to the exact crossing points of the railway tracks and roads
Page 56
None of proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line is traverse across any railway
tracks but this transmission line cross A6 road near to Exsisting Thulhiriya Substation, B539
Nelundeniya- Alawwa Road , A19 Polgahawela- Kegalle Highway , B 199 KaranduponaRambukkana Road.
4.3.2. Provide details regarding the distance from the middle of the road to the posts. The height of
the line route from the roads.
In case of road crossing, CEB will ensure to keep required safety clearance as recommended by
RDA. Clearance to the bottom conductor from the finished road level will be 6.7m as per
technical specification of CEB which is greater than RDA requirement.
4.4.
Mono cultivation land areas

Provide full details of Mono cultivation land areas in the line path
Paddy fields are the main land use type and the only farmland traversed by the transmission
lines. As explained above, 42.64% of the Thulhiriya - Kegalle line has been located over paddy
lands, in order to reduce the social impacts caused by locating the proposed transmission line
along residences and/or home gardens.
As mentioned earlier in section 4.1.2.2, rubber cultivations are encountered in 18.8% of the
total length of the power line and that length with its due width is to be cleared removing all
the high grown trees. Extent of this impact is discussed in section 4.1.3.1.
4.5.
Wildlife and forest reserve areas

Provide full details
None of proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya - Kegalle line is traverse across any areas under the
purview of Department of Wildlife Conservation and the nearest wildlife sanctuary, Kurulu Kele
in Kegalle is about 4.5 km away from the proposed sites. No wildlife sanctuary, national parks,
or ecologically sensitive areas are present in the nearby area of RoW.
There are no forest reserves in the immediate vicinity of line route but Thulhiriya Forest
Reserve is located more than 100m away from the line route in Thulhiriya. This is about 200
acres in extent and comprise of predominantly Mahogany which are about 25 years old. Further
details were addressed in section 3.2.3.
4.6.
Kandyan forest gardens

Kandyan Forest Gardens (KFG) are primarily located in Kandy district while some can be
observed in Matale, Kegalle and Rathnapura districts. KFG demonstrate tropical rain forest
structure with maximum tree height of 30-35m consists of few canopy layers. Findings of the
Page 57
ecological survey confirm the high species diversity exist in the home gardens. Impacts to the
home gardens due to project activities are discussed in section 4.1.3.1.
4.7.
Irrigation tanks
Provide full details of irrigation tanks and related information related to the line route
a) Names of the tanks and co-ordinates
Proposed 132 kV Thulhiriya to Kegalle line does not traverse any irrigation tanks under the
purview of Irrigation Department.
b) Angle point A6 riverine environment near Thalgahayaya
The only riverine ecosystem along the line route can be observed in between angle point 5 and
6 related to Ragala oya in Egalla GN division in Warakapola DS division. At this location, line
route crosses the stream in perpendicular angle causing minimum damage to the vegetation
along the waterway.
4.8.
Agrarian development matters

Provide full details of agrarian related areas
Paddy fields are the main land use type and the only farmland traversed by the transmission
lines. As explained earlier, there will be no change in the land use planning due to the project
in the paddy fields, except for the safety precautions to be adopted when using the harvesting
machines with a higher reach. Paddy cultivation will be continued under the transmission line,
and even under the towers, during the operational phase of the project. However it may cause
some problems for those working in the paddy lands for cultivation and harvesting of paddy, if
necessary actions are not taken to prevent such impact. In particular use of some of modern
harvesting equipments (capable of extending to a higher reach) under the transmission line
without precautionary measures may results in accidents due to electrocution. Adequate
clearances will be maintained during the tower spotting/ profile survey of the project, for the
operation of such machines which are used in the paddy fields traversed by the transmission
line. Considering the significant length of the transmission line traversing over paddy land,
special attention has to be paid to the physical protection of the operators of such machines.
Creating proper awareness among the owners, farmers and the operators of said equipments
regarding the under mentioned aspects is very important in avoiding such accidents.
4.9.
Archaeology areas
Provide full details of archaeological information, which are located in this line path.
As a result of the survey works carried out along the line route, no archeologically important
areas were identified. There are no specific sites of any significant religious or cultural value,
which are relevant to the line route or to proposed GSS site. However, if any such site is
Page 58
encountered even at a later stage, CEB will ensure to make necessary deviations, as per the
directives of Department of Archeology.
5. Proposed Mitigatory Measures

This chapter should set out the proposed measures to minimize the impacts identified in Chapter
4 to acceptable levels (including conformity to gazetted Sri Lankan Standards) Mitigatory
measures should be defined in specific practical terms. Alternative methods of mitigation should
be discussed and the effectiveness of each mitigatory measure should be stated.
Potential adverse environmental impacts associated with transmission lines has been avoided or
minimised through careful route selection. The alignment is sited away from major settlements,
whenever possible, to account for future urban expansion. Forests areas and thick vegetation areas are
avoided wherever possible; however route alignment passes through paddy fields, home gardens,
rubber plantations and scrub lands etc,. As a result, the line route does not cross any protected areas
or environmentally sensitive habitats. CEB will not acquire any private lands for tower placement,
instead pay market price for land area occupied by the tower footing and owner is entitled for use his
land as safety guidelines permits.
Impacts on surface water quality and local hydrological patterns
All the angle tower locations (at turning points of the line route) are already decided while exact
positions of suspension towers will be decided in a later stage after completion of the ground profile
survey along the line route. As a preconstruction measure, no tower will be sited close to reservations
of public streams, rivers or any other water bodies. It will avoid disruption of existing drainage paths
and reduce possibility of meeting surface runoff with water body which will eventually increase
turbidity levels.
As line traverse in hilly terrain, excavation for tower footings will expose soil in slopes and aggravate
soil erosion in rainy season. Once the soil is excavated for tower foundations, the earth should be
backfilled or removed from the site. The loose soil should be protected with mulch (living: e.g. crop
cover or non-living: e.g. paddy straw, forest leaves, and other agricultural crop residues or manmade
materials such as tarpaulins). During the construction of foundations in paddy fields, the soil excavated
will be generally utilized for backfilling, except in rare occasions where excavated soil is not suitable for
backfilling. In such cases, the excavated soil would not be left in the paddy field, but will be carried
away and dumped in a suitable place. Considering the relatively small amount of excess soil, in most of
the cases these are given to the neighbouring landowners, upon their request. If such places are not
readily available, a proper place/s for dumping excess soil would be located in consultation with
relevant DS, and levelled properly.
Care is taken not to obstruct any natural process such as surface water runoff and stream water flow,
during construction works. Any existing water channels should be diverted properly. In case the
location of tower foundations close to river bank is unavoidable, best engineering practices will be
Page 59
adopted to avoid / minimize disturbances to the banks or and also not to obstruct any natural
processes such as surface water runoff and stream water flow or any other canal/stream having
significant flow during construction works. Earth retaining structures will be built with necessary
drainage facilities around the towers located in sloping areas or any locations disturbed by the project
implementation. Once the towers are constructed, the loose soil should be covered with vegetation as
much as possible to avoid soil erosion and sedimentation.
Proposed land for Kegalle GSS is adjacent to Gongan Ela and its development activities will include
filling of the existing land above 1.2m from Kandy road level. Since the filling will be carried out totally
outside the reservation of Gongan Ela, no impact will be caused to the hydrological pattern of it. All
filling activities will be carried out under guidelines of SLLRDC with minimum hindrance to local
drainage patterns. In order to maintain an uninterrupted drainage in the area (as well as Gongan Ela)
after filling, CEB has requested a drainage plan for the said development from SLLRDC which will be
incorporated in to the filling plan. The storm water drainage system designed to adequately higher
intensity of rainfall would be installed in the new GSS, which should be discharged to the Gongan Ela.
Impacts on flora and fauna due to land use change
During the planning stage, CEB has taken maximum effort to avoid conservation areas under forest and
wildlife departments and any other sensitive ecosystems. As mentioned in section 2.3.2, paddy
(42.64%) is the main land use type along the line which has relatively minimum impact on flora and
fauna due to the transmission line. Home gardens (31.3%) and Rubber (18.79%) are second and third
largest mono cultivation lands which get affected by transmission line. Shrub is the only other land use
type traversed by the transmission line. Since only the trees growing above 3m along the corridor
should be removed, the impact would be limited to removal of few isolated trees, and would not cause
a significant change of land use.
As explained under section 4.1.1.4, impacts caused by the project on canals, other irrigation structures
and water bodies is very less, mainly due to the selection of the line route.
Even the minor impacts anticipated will be mitigated by incorporation of following measures:
Provisions of temporary drainage facilities to the particular locations if existing drains

are obstructed due to construction activities.
Paving and surface treatment for exposed soil in excavation
Maintenance of all drainage paths by avoiding blockages at all times.
Temporary labour camps will be provided with proper water and sanitary facilities. Hygienically sound
sanitation facilities are to be setup in and around labor camps, which should not cause ground or
surface water pollution.
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Other ecological impacts and mitigation measures

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
harvesting period. Only damages to the crop would be compensated to the owners, as per the
assessment of relevant DSs.
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 (latest revision), 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.
For the rubber plantations, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) would seek advice from the Rubber
Cultivation Board with regard to the compensation rate and would take appropriate measure to effect
this. In the absence of this, the Divisional Secretary will be requested to value the crop and provide the
information to the CEB.
Mitigation of the impacts on the fauna, flora and migration paths of wild animals
Any development effort will incur some negative impact on the environment. However, every effort
has been taken in the proposed project to minimise the negative impacts, mostly during the selection
of proposed line route. With regard to the flora which also includes 5 endemic species, two near
threatened and two vulnerable species, the CEB would get the assistance from the Forest Department
in promoting these species either in home gardens of the same locality or in appropriate locations. The
CEB will negotiate with the Forest Department for the cost incurred and would effect it.
With regards to the fauna, the birds, dragonflies have high mobility and will shy away from the
construction sites during the construction period and are expected to return to the project area after
the things are settled down. The reptiles will also be less affected as they can readily move out of site.
With regard to the amphibians and fish in the project areas especially the paddy fields where they are
predominant, the impact from the construction activities will be of much impact. Among the
amphibians there are two which are endemic and also one is endangered too, however, they occur in
similar habitats in other climatic zones too. Hence, the impact on the population of them would not be
significant. In order to address these good practice guidelines will be effected during the construction
period in all the aspects. They are detailed in the Monitoring Plan in Chapter 7.
Mitigation of the impacts on wetlands and low lying areas
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Major part of the transmission line traverses along paddy fields and low lying areas/wetlands.
Sediment deposition through diversion of runoff in road construction can be a setback to the
usefulness of wetlands. Silt pits should be erected at suitable points to avoid this. When the soil is
excavated to erect towers, they should be leveled so that this would not disrupt the movement of
water and drainage. Ideally the construction should be carried out in the dry season so that this would
not disrupt with the paddy cultivation. Good housekeeping practices should be adopted during
construction so that these wetlands will not be adversely affected by water pollution and disposal of
solid waste.
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 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.
All the owners of proposed land for Kegalle have agreed to sell their allotments to CEB, and purchasing
process is underway. However, in case any acquisition of lands for the construction of the Kagalla grid
station should be carried out, reasonable compensation for the land owners will be given.
A new access road should be constructed along the boundary of the proposed land for Kegalle GSS
before closing the existing access road through the land.
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
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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.
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 a conglomeration of internal and external labour in the project sites. Workers
may come from either the same locality or from other areas. There would be many worker camps
Page 63
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.
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
of any existing buildings/ houses are 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 should be removed. 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 4m and horizontally it is about 10m. 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 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 has been 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
Page 64
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. Monitoring program
A suitable monitoring program should be suggested to monitor changes and implementation of
mitigatory measures proposed. This plan should include the following:
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 to such
agencies. Any development efforts will incur some negative impact on the environment.
However, every effort has been taken on the proposed project to minimize the negative impacts.
Continuous monitoring of project activities will help to keep track on smooth implementation of
mitigation measures suggested.
The project will be managed by a Project Manager, who will be a Senior Engineer. CEB, through
the Project Manager and supporting staff, will bear full responsibility for ensuring that the Project
complies with best environmental practices and meeting the mitigation and monitoring
requirements described in this IEE report during construction. The IEER would be made available
to the Project Manager and his staff, and the CEB is responsible for implementing appropriate
mitigation measures mentioned in the IEER.
The Monitoring Team headed by PAA would consist of representatives of important stakeholders
(Departments of Forest, Wildlife, Irrigation. etc). The PAA will conduct reviews and audits to
monitor the project during implementation, to examine compliance with the conditions
stipulated in the approval issued.
The Environmental Unit of CEB will coordinate all environment-related issues and activities, and
the CEB will provide it the necessary manpower and financial resources for the same. The direct
responsibility of implementing,
Provisions in this IEE report,

The conditions stipulated by the CEA in the approval for the project in terms of the National
Environmental Act.
Orders issued by the DS with regard to land-use and compensation, and the local authority
regulations
will lie with the Project Manager, while the Environmental Unit will provide assistance and play a
coordinating role in the process.
Page 66
Monitoring Programme
Project activity
Pre-construction
Selection of
transmission line
corridor
Potential impact
Traversing through
protected areas,
Traversing above
houses/ buildings.
Excessive
requirements for
clearance of wayleaves
Land use
restrictions in areas
of high population
density
Construction
Equipment layout and
installation
Noise and
vibrations caused
during construction
activities
Proposed mitigation
measure
Avoid traversing above
protected and densely
populated areas
Avoid/ minimize traversing
above houses/ buildings
wherever practicable
Examine alternative routes,
and select the route causing
the minimum impacts on longterm land-use, and minimum
possible removal of trees
Construction techniques and

machinery selection seeking to
minimize ground disturbance.
Parameter to be
monitored
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
Selection of the machinery

by the Contractor
The noise levels and
condition of the said
machineries - according to
the land use conditions on
and around the line route
Measurement
and frequency
Institutional
responsibility
Implementatio
n schedule
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 finalised
Construction
techniques and
machinery creating
minimal ground
disturbance, before
commencement of
site work
CEB
Throughout the
construction
period
Mechanized
construction
Noise, vibration
and operator safety
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
CEB
Throughout the
construction
period
Operation of heavy machinery

in night hours to be limited to
very urgent cases only.
Temporary blockage,
loss of service of
utilities
Access to and site

clearance at tower
footings
Construction of
access roads,
construction of tower
foundations
Loss of power
supply to local
areas, when
distribution lines
crossing the new
transmission line
are switched off
Temporary
obstruction of
access roads,
waterways,
clearance of trees
and shrubs
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.
CEB and
Contractor
Throughout the
construction
period
Culverts to be used to cross

waterways, minimize
disturbance and clearing of
vegetation
Hindrance to regular social

activities, use of rights of
way, hindrance to
waterways
Regularly throughout
the construction
period, inspection
after the work is
completed when the
contractor leaves the
site
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
Air and water

pollution, soil
erosion from
exposure and
stockpiling
excavated material
Resort to the best practice

guidelines provided in the
Chapter 5
Particulate Matter in the

air, Suspended solids in the
waters, No of access roads
constructed, Status of
stockpiling of excavated
soil.
Regularly during the

site visits; the air and
water quality should
be measured at
monthly intervals
monthly
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period and when
the Contractor
leaves one
location
Stick to specific remedial

measures mentioned under
annex 6.2 (NBRO report) for
foundations located in hilly
terrain.
Cover the areas exposed
during construction with
ground vegetation
The progress of the effort

to vegetate the exposed
areas with ground
vegetation
Page 68
Provision of facilities
for construction
workers
Contamination of
receptors (land,
water, air)
Construction workforce
temporary facilities to include
proper sanitation, water
supply and waste disposal
facilities.
Amenities for Workforce

facilities, Presence of
proper sanitation, water
supply and waste disposal
facilities
once each new

facility
CEB and
Contractor
Tower foundation
and stringing works in
farmlands/ paddy
fields
Loss of agricultural
productivity
Avoid cultivation &harvesting

periods of paddy fields/
farmlands wherever
predictable,
Payment of compensation for
any losses incurred
Land area of active

agriculture lost at each
tower footings and along
the transmission corridor
Monthly report of
the status
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period
Earthworks in new
GSS site resulting in
uncontrolled
erosion/silt runoff
Soil loss,
downstream
siltation at sites
adjoining GSs and
also tower footings
Staged compacting of filling at

Kegalle GSs, covered gravel
stockpile and loose material,
Cover the exposed areas with
vegetation in the long term
Visual observation of
runoff and siltation of
storm water drains,
Suspended solids & oil in
the water
Monthly report of
the status
CEB and
Contractor
Construction
period and after
Nuisance to nearby
properties
Losses to
neighbouring land
uses/ values from
disposal of waste
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
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
Transformer oil sump

checked through physical
measurement of volume
and visual inspection
Oil sump volume and

permeability, Every
year after completion
CEB
During operations
Operation and Maintenance

Transformer Oil
spillage
Contamination of
land/nearby water
bodies
Test the waters for oil
Page 69
Electric Shock
Hazards
Injury/mortality to
staff and public
Inadequate periodic
environmental
monitoring.
Diminished
ecological and
social values.
Excessive noise in GSS
Nuisance to
neighbouring
properties
reserve tanks
content
Careful design using

appropriate technologies to
minimise hazards
Usage of appropriate
technologies (number of
injury incidents, lost work
days)
Preparedness level
for using these
technologies in crisis
once a year
Regular inspection of the

transmission line to clear any
vegetation /obstructions
Security fences around Grid
Substations
The length of the

transmission line which is
clear of any obstructions
Maintenance of fences
Every 6 months
Appropriate warning signs on

facilities
Electricity safety awareness
raising in project areas
Maintenance of warning
signs
Training/awareness
programs for all concerned
parties
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
Noise levels (dB )
CEB
Included in design
and monitored
throughout
operation
CEB
Throughout
operation
CEB
Throughout
operation
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 70
7. Conclusion and recommendation

The acceptability of the proposed project and the alternatives
Further studies necessary to analyze in long term unexpected impacts should be recommended.
7.1 Evaluation of Alternatives
During route alignment all possible efforts were made to avoid the populated and cultivated area
complete or keep it to the barest minimum. A number of alternative line routes have been proposed
based on 1:50,000 topographical maps and Google Earth Satellite images during initial route selection,
which were studied / inspected during preliminary site visits. Among those, three options including the
proposed route have been selected as more attractive compared to other, the line routes of which are
shown in annex 5.2. These alternative routes have been further studied by relevant officers of CEB, and
were compared with emphasis to environmental impacts, land use and social concerns and evaluation
analysis is given in Table 7.1 1
Evaluation of alternatives below.
Table 7.1 1
Evaluation of alternatives
SN
Description
1.
Route Particulars
i)
Total Line Length
Option 1
Proposed Route
On Map
Option2
Proposed Route
On Map
Option 3
Proposed Route
On Map
21.5 km
21.6 km
22.5 km
Terrain
Moderately hilly
Mountainous
Flat and
Mountainous
iii)
Districts
Kegalle
Kegalle
Kegalle
iv)
Agriculture
Paddy, Rubber
Paddy, Rubber
Paddy, Rubber
v)
Wet/ Marshy land
Only paddy fields
Only paddy fields
Only paddy fields
vi)
Other type of land
Rock outcrops
2.
Land Use Data % of the total length for each alternative
i)
Paddy
42.64
51.75
48.5
ii)
Rubber
18.79
15.38
16.41
iii)
Home Garden
31.3
27.2
28.8
iv)
7.27
5.67
6.29
3.
other
No of Crossing
i)
Railway
ii)
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
iii)
River Crossing
Tanks
1
-
4
1
-
ii)
iv)
4.
5.
6.
Construction Problems
O& M Problems
Overall Remarks
Moderate
minimum
Shorter in length and
away from metal
quarries
High
Moderate
Few settlements
and quarries
Moderate
Moderate
Lengthy and metal
quarries
First alternative causes minimum damage to settlements and situated well away from metal quarries.
Selected option crosses the only river in entire route making minimum damage to riverine vegetation.
It is shorter in length and involves minimum ROW problems. Considering the various reasons based on
information in the table, option 1 has been considered as most suitable.
7.2 Conclusion
As required by National Environment Act, this project development falls under prescribed project
category and scoping committee headed by CEA as PAA issued a ToR for Initial Environmental
Examination. A comprehensive ecological and socio-economical survey was carried out along the line
route by group of experts from University of Sri Jayawardhanapura. Based on the environmental
assessment and surveys conducted for the project, the potential adverse environmental impacts
associated with the project can be mitigated to an acceptable level by adequate implementation of the
mitigation measures identified in the IEER. Adequate provisions are being made in the project to cover
the environmental mitigation and monitoring requirements, and their associated costs.
Most of the social and ecological aspects were considered and incorporated in to the project design in
early planning stage. Proposed alignment has avoided settlements and environmentally sensitive areas
to the maximum extent and traverse mostly through paddy and rubber lands keeping the social and
ecological impact to the minimum.
Transmission line will require 30m wide corridor for safety reasons where trees that grow above 3m
will be pruned time to time. In paddy fields where 42% of this line traverses, minimum restriction
occurs to existing land use. Trees that are removed in coconut, rubber lands and home gardens,
owners will be duly compensated as per the assessment of Grama Niladhari and endorsed by Divisional
Secretary and any timber is given for their use.
There will be temporary disturbance for farming activities which will be compensated accordingly.
Pollution due to construction activities such as cut and fill operations, vehicular emissions, noise,
vibration and dust related issues are of scattered in nature, short term and will be diminished with
time. Also such impacts can be satisfactorily managed by adaptation of careful mitigation measures.
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.
Page 72
Electricity consumers in Kegalle area will receive positive benefits after the implementation of this new
transmission development by improve quality, reliability and voltage profile. At the same time,
national electricity grid is benefited by improved efficiency and loss reduction. Therefore it can be
concluded that benefits far outweigh negative impacts.
Major social and environmental impacts associated with 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. 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 73
Annexes
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Terms of Reference
References
Source of Data and Information
List of prepares including their bio-data
Complete set of relevant maps, charts, layout plan and other details
Consents / recommendations from relevant agencies
Complete list of flora and fauna in project affected areas
1
Terms of Reference
North East Power Transmission Development Project

Annexes
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE) REPORT

FOR THE PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
This TOR is valid only for one and half years from the date of issue, the IEE report should
be submitted within the validity period.
Project Title
Project Proponent
Project Approving Agency
Outline of IEE Report
:
:
:
Proposed 132kV Transmission Line from

Thulhiriya to Kegalle
Central Environmental Authority
Executive Summary
Chapters
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction
Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives
Description of the existing environment
Description of the anticipated environmental impacts
Proposed mitigatory measures
Monitoring programme
Conclusion and recommendation
Annexes
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Source of data, information

References
List of preparers including their work allocation
Comments made by the public, NGOs and other agencies during the formal
and informal scoping meetings held by the IEE team.
Complete set of relevant maps, tables, charts, lay out plans and other details.
Terms of Reference
Executive Summary
The summary should be a brief, non technical summary of the justification of the
proposed project, description of the salient features of the project and alternatives
considered, the existing environment of the project site and its environs, key
environmental impacts, the measures proposed to mitigate the environmental impacts,
monitoring programme and conclusions. A one page summary table indicating the
significant impacts and proposed mitigatory measures should be presented.

Annexes
1.
INTRODUCTION
This chapter should include the following

Background of the project
Objective of the proposed project and justification of the project
Summarize the need or problem being addressed by the project and how the
proposed project is expected to resolve the problem or the issue.
Objective of the IEE report
Specify the objectives of the assessment and the relationship of the results to
project design and implementation.
Extent and scope of the study
Methodologies adopted in report preparation
The approval needed for the proposed development from state agencies
Any conditions laid down by state agencies in granting preliminary clearance for
the project (Attached copies of approval)
2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

Description of the project
2.1 Aim and scope of the project

State the projects main objectives, main beneficiaries and the expected social
economic effects.
2.2 Justification of the project
This section should consider justification of the project in relation to social
economic benefits and any environmental costs and benefits where applicable.
2.3 Description of the proposed project
Present ownership of the project site

Present use of land
Pradeshiya Sabaha Area(s), Divisional Secratriat(s), Provinicial Council(s) in
which the project is to be located
Proposed timing and schedule including phased development (if any)
Application laws, regulations, standards and requirements covering the
proposed project
Clearances / permits obtained from relevant state agencies and or local
authorities
Provide a location map indicating the project site, surrounding development and
infrastructure within 100 m of the site (at appropriate scale)
Give details of the project characteristics including its principal features; project
related permanent structures, project related temporary structures. (including

Annexes
route and length of the transmission lines design of transmission towers, switch
yard, grid substation etc. and indicate same on a plan)
Type of transformers to be installed and their capacity details should also include
the location extent and type of grid substation/s
Drawing showing project layout plan specially in relation to grid substations,
switch yards etc.
2.4 Methodology of construction

State the proposed time schedule for construction
Details of land preparation activities
Nature and type of any structures
Methods of construction of grid substations/switch yards towers and laying of
conductors
Infrastructure facilities required / provided
Details of any access roads to be built, improved (existing condition and
anticipated improvement)
Other resources /facilities required / provided
2.5
Work force
Labour requirements, availability of labour in the area, employment of local
people, occupational health and safety facilities required / provided
2.6
Maintenance procedure
State the standard practice and any deviation required
2.7
Evaluation of alternatives
Describe reasonable alternative considered and the basic environmental

engineering and economic parameters used in their investigation and evaluation.
Compare alternatives in terms of potential environmental impacts, mitigation
measures, capital and operating costs, reliability, suitability under local conditions
and monitoring requirements.
The following alternatives could be considered:
The no action alternative (i.e. one based on current practices without approval
of the project)
Alternative routes, design and technology selection, construction techniques,
and maintenance procedures etc.

Annexes
3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

STUDY AREA
A.
Grid Substation (s) / Switchyards

The project sites and 100m from the boundaries of the project site (include
Gongan Ela levels, GSS contour levels and reservation demarcated in a map
of Kegalle)
B.
Transmission line
Transmission line route and 50m on either side of the centre line of
proposed line routes or the area of maximum risk.
Assemble evaluate and present baseline data on the environmental characteristics of the
study area.
Physical Environment
Topology
Recent Topographical data clearly indicating reserve areas, marshy areas, water
bodies, canals, steams, drainage, channels
Climate and meteorology
Precipitation patterns, relative humidity and temperature, potential hazardous
weather events
Geology & soil
General geology of the area, soil types and distribution
Ecological Resources
Existing natural and man made habitats in and around the project site and,
distribution and density of fauna and flora of them.
Rare threatened and endemic species
Proximity to protected area
Socio economic considerations of
Present land use pattern
Population characteristics
Socio Economic status
4.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
This chapter should show the overall effects on the individual environmental components
during construction and operation of the project. Impacts should include the foreseeable,
direct and indirect, long and short term effects. Significant and non-significant impacts
should be quantified by using an appropriate method. Uncertainties should be
Annexes
highlighted considering magnitude, severity, duration, frequency, risk and indirect effects.
All impacts should be tabulated in an appropriate matrix.
4.1 Construction Impacts State Briefly the following
Physical Resources
Impacts on surface water quality due to soil erosion and silting

Impacts of tower construction activities on hydrological patterns of the
surrounding area
Impacts on fauna and flora or on existing habitats due to changing land use
patterns
Impacts on other proposed or planned government / private sector /
development activities in the vicinity
Human and socio - economic impacts
Public safety / potential relocation of people etc

Impact on the agriculture / plantation sector and land use of the area
Other socio economic impacts / benefits if any :
Ecological Resources
Impacts on existing habitats in and around the project site

Impact on mitigatory patterns of fauna in the region
4.2 Safety and security

State briefly the structural safety of the transformers and transmission lines specially
during unpredictable operational loads
State briefly lightning danger from transformers and transmission lines:
Indicate the possibility of any accidental hazards or fire hazards:
Provide proposed precautionary measures / safeguard:
a. Workers :
b. Communities in the neighborhood:
c. Surrounding environment to be taken in the event of any possible accident,
fire hazards:
Impact on visual environment, historical sites and sites of special values
Annexes
4.3 Railway Tracks & Highways & Road Development

Provide the details in regard to the exact crossing points of the railway tracks and
roads
Provide details regarding the distance from the middle of the road to the posts. The
height of the line route from the roads.
4.4 Mono cultivation land areas
Provide full details of Mono cultivation land areas in the line path
4.5 Wildlife and forest reserve areas
4.6 Kandyan forest gardens
4.7 Irrigation tanks
Provide full details of irrigation tanks and related information related to the line
route
a. Names of the tanks and co-ordinates
b. Angle point A6 riverine environment near Thalgahayaya
4.8 Agrarian development matters
Provide full details of agrarian related areas
4.9 Archaeology areas
Provide full details of archaeological information which are located in this line path.
5.
MITIGATORY ACTIONS
This chapter should set out the proposed measures to minimize the impacts
identified in Chapter 4 to acceptable levels (including conformity to gazetted Sri
Lankan Standards) Mitigatory measures should be defined in specific practical terms.
Alternative methods of mitigation should be discussed and the effectiveness of each
mitigatory measure should be stated.
6.
MONITORING PROGRAMME
A suitable monitoring programme should be suggested to monitor changes and
implementation of mitigatory measures proposed. This plan should include the
following :

Annexes
Parameters to be monitored
Proposed locations of sampling points
Frequency of monitoring
Responsible agency / agencies
Facilities available which such agencies.
State the availability of funds, expertise and the facilities available of provided.
7.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDAITON
The acceptability of the proposed project and the alternatives

Further studies necessary to analyze in long term unexpected impacts should be
recommended.

Annexes
2
References
Panabokke, C.R., Soils and Agro ecological environments of Sri Lanka,

(1996)
Ceylon Electricity Board, Initial Environmental Examination :Sustainable
Power Sector Support Project (2010) (Submitted to Asian Development
Bank)
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, USA, Environmental Impacts of
Transmission Lines, P.O. Box 7854, Madison, WI 537077854
Mark Ashton, Savithri Gunathillake, Neela De Zoysa, M.D Dasanayake,
Nimal Gunathillake, Siril Wijesundara :A field guide to the common trees
& shrubs of Sr Lanka
Red Data Book Categories (2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Fauna &
Flora of Sri Lanka)
Sarath Kotagama & Gamini Ratnavira: An Illustrated Guide to the birds
of Sri Lanka
Bernard d'Abrera:The Butterflies of Ceylon
Kelum Manamendara Arachchi & Rohan Pethiyagoda:Sri Lankawe Ubaya
Jeewin (Amphibians of Sri Lanka)
Weerakoon, D.K, and Goonatilake, W.L.D.T.P.S. De A., Taxonomic Status
of the Mammals of Sri Lanka in Fauna of Sri Lanka, (2006)
Ruchira Somaweera:Lizards of Sri Lanka
Sampath De Alwis Goonathilake:Freshwater Fishes of Sri Lanka
Dinarzadre Raheem & Fred Naggs :An Illustrated guide to the Land Snails
of Sri Lankan Natural Forests and cultivated habitat
Gehan De Silva Wijeratne:Dragonflies of Sri Lanka
Gehan De Silva Wijeratne:Mammals of Sri Lanka

Annexes
3
Sources of Data and Information
Primary Information
Field reconnaissance surveys

o Preliminary survey
o Socio economic survey
o Ecological survey
Discussion with the Divisional Secretaries and relevant officers in the
Project area
Discussion with officers from the Forest Department, Department of
Wildlife Conservation, Irrigation Department etc.
Secondary Information
The National Atlas of Sri Lanka by Survey Department

Dept. of Census and Statistics
o House hold Income & Expenditure Survey - 2006/07, Department
of Census & statistics Sri Lanka
o Census of Population and Housing 2001
1:50,000 maps by Survey Department covering the entire project area
Environmental Atlas of Sri Lanka by Central Environmental Authority
Google Earth satellite images covering the entire project area
CEB Long Tern Transmission Expansion Plan (2008-2016)
Other published information on the geology and agro ecological
environment in the project area and maps

Annexes
4
List of preparers including their bio-data
The IEE report has been prepared and compiled by Mr. M.P.L.R.Gunawardhana
BSc(Eng), Head Environmental Unit of Ceylon Electricity Board, who is a very
senior Engineer and has completed a Diploma in Environmental Engineering and
Management in University of Moratuwa.
The expert inputs regarding the ecological aspects (including environmental
impacts and proposed mitigatory measures) of the IEER have been obtained from
Prof. Hemanthi Ranasinghe Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Science,
University of Sri Jayawardanapura.
Similarly the expert inputs regarding the sociological aspects of the IEER have been
obtained from Dr. W.M. Dhanapala Department of Sociology, University of Sri
Jayawardenepura.

Annexes
List of preparers including their work allocation

Name
Occupation and
Address
Designation in
the Project
Work allocation
Prof. Hemanthi
Ranasinghe
Professor, Department
of Forestry and
Environmental Science,
University of Sri
Jayewardenepura
Ecologist &
Forestry
Specialist
Dr. W.M.
Dhanapala
Senior Lecturer,
Department of
Sociology, University of
Sri Jayawardenepura
Sociologist
Led the ecological

investigation team in
consultation with the rest of
the team members
identification of impacts and
propose mitigatory measures
& provided input to the report
Led the sociological
investigation team
In consultation with the rest of
the team members
identification of impacts and
propose mitigatory measures
Mrs. Ivon
Tennekoon
Mr. Tilakawansha
Chandrathilaka
GIS Specialist
Lecturer, Department of
Sociology, University of
Sri Jayewardenepura
Department of Forestry
and Environmental
Science, University of Sri
Jayewardenepura
Coordinator
Mr. Niranjan
Kannangara
and Environmental
Jayewardenepura
Data Collector
Mr. Sarath
Chandra
Ranaweera
and Environmental
Jayewardenepura
Young Biologists
Association
Data Collector
Mr. Supun
Nigamuni
Mr. Amila
Prasanna
Sumanapala

Field Coordinator
Data Collector
Analysed the sociological data

for the Report
Preparation of the relevant
maps
Coordinated the ecological
and sociological investigations
and compiled the report
Coordinated the field surveys
and data collection, data
compilation
Assisted with the report
preparation
Procured primary data
through engaging in field
surveys
Assisted with the report
preparation
surveys
surveys
Annexes
5
Complete set of relevant maps, charts, layout plan and
other details
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Map of the proposed development including line route (scale - 1:50,000)

Alternative line routes
Layout plan of proposed Kegalle GSs
Project Implementation Plan
List of GPS coordinates of the line route

Annexes
Annex 5.1 - Map of the proposed development including line route
Annex 5.2 - Alternative line routes

Annexes
Annex 5.3 - Layout plan of proposed Kegalle GSs

Annexes
Annex 5.4 - Project Implementation Plan

Annexes
Annex 5.5 - List of GPS coordinates of the line route (Datum: Kandawala Sri Lanka)
Angle Point
A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A12
A13
A14
A15
A16
A17
A18
A19
A20
A21
A22
A23
A24
A25
A26
A27
N
230598.757
230296.83
229797.079
229539.766
229390.752
229425.101
229507.854
229614.666
229697.073
229867.961
230122.632
230350.391
230444.491
230424.541
230343.741
230364.889
230795.257
231838.26
231603.798
231372.53
231173.336
231237.619
230706.404
230104.586
230039.584
228749.599
228398.017
228252.965
E
139132.707
139355.337
139321.298
139485.399
140537.644
141897.153
142593.851
142941.2
143411.521
143875.497
144414.406
144568.945
145599.052
146152.68
146449.509
147365.736
148246.497
150252.915
151591.216
152189.409
152988.234
153892.207
155017.402
155420.826
155980.243
157571.079
157772.003
157848.26
Thulhiriya
Kegalle
6
Consents / recommendations from relevant agencies
1. Letter to Department of Agrarian Development

2. Application to Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation
3. Landslide Investigation Report by National Building Research Organization
6.1 Letter to Department of Agrarian Development

Annexes
6.2 Application to Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation

Annexes
7
Complete list of flora and fauna in project affected
areas

Annexes
List of Faunal Species in Project Affected Areas

Taxon
Butterflies
Odonata
Common Name
Scientific Name
Family
Origin
Conservation
Status
Ceylon Snow Flat
Tagiades japetus
Hesperiidae
Native
LC
os
Common Banded Demon
Notocrypta paralysos
Hesperiidae
Native
VU
os
Yamfly
Loxura atymnus
Lycaenidae
Native
LC
os
White Four-ring
Ypthima ceylonica
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Sailor
Neptis hylas
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Crow
Euploea core
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Tiger
Danaus genutia
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Chocolate Soldier
Junonia iphita
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
Gray Pancy
Junonia atlites
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
Medus Brown
Orsotriaena medus
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
Peacock Pancy
Junonia almana
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
Double Banded Crow
Euploea sylvester
Nymphalidae
Native
NT
os
Leopard
Phalanta phalantha
Nymphalidae
Native
LC
os
Tailed Jay
Graphium agamemnon
Papilionidae
Native
LC
os
Blue Mormon
Papilio polymnestor
Papilionidae
Native
LC
Common Rose
Pachliopta aristolochiae
Papilionidae
Native
LC
os
Mime
Papilio clytia
Papilionidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Bluebottle
Graphium sarpedon
Papilionidae
Native
LC
Psyche
Leptosia nina
Pieridae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Grass Yellow
Eurema hecabe
Pieridae
Native
LC
hg
os
Mottled Emigrant
Catopsilia pyranthe
Pieridae
Native
LC
hg
os
Jezebel
Delias eucharis
Pieridae
Native
LC
hg
os
Wandering Wisp
Agriocnemis pygmaea
Coenagrionidae
Native
LC
pa
Sri Lanka Orange-faced Sprite
Pseudagrion rubriceps
Coenagrionidae
Native
LC
pa
Marsh Dancer
Onychargia atrocyana
Coenagrionidae
Native
VU
pa
Pied Parasol
Neurothemis tullia
Libellulidae
Native
LC
pa
hg
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Marsh Skimmer
Orthetrum luzonicum
Libellulidae
Native
NT
pa
Blue Pursuer
Potamarcha congener
Libellulidae
Native
LC
hg
Oriental Scarlet
Crocothemis servilia
Libellulidae
Native
LC
pa
Common Toad
Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Bufonidae
Native
LC
hg
pa
Indian Skipper Frog
Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis
Dicroglossidae
Native
LC
Indian Green Frog
Euphlyctis hexadactylus
Dicroglossidae
Native
LC
Common Paddyfield Frog
Fejervarya cf. syhadrensis
Dicroglossidae
Native
LC
Kirtisinghe's Frog
Fejervarya kirtisinghei
Dicroglossidae
Endemic
VU
Sri Lanka wood frog
Hylarana gracilis
Ranidae
Endemic
LC
Green Garden Lizard
Calotes calotes
Agamidae
Native
LC
hg
Common garden lizard
Calotes versicolor
Agamidae
Native
LC
oshg
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard
Otocryptis wiegmanni
Agamidae
Endemic
LC
Rat snake
Ptyas mucosa
Colubridae
Native
LC
hg
Common house-gecko
Hemidactylus frenatus
Gekkonidae
Native
LC
hg
Spotted housegecko
Hemidactylus parvimaculatus
Gekkonidae
Native
LC
hg
Land monitor
Varanus bengalensis
Varanidae
Native
LC
os
Water monitor
Varanus salvator
Varanidae
Native
LC
The Merrems Hump nose viper
Hypnale hypnale
Viperidae
Native
LC
Brahmani Kite
Haliastur indus
Accipitridae
Native
LC
os
hg
White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
Alcedinidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Alcedinidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
Ardeidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Ardeidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Indian Pond Heron
Ardeola grayii
Ardeidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Intermediate Egret
Mesophoyx intermedia
Ardeidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Red-wattled Lapwing
Vanellus indicus
Charadriidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Asian Openbill
Anastomus oscitans
Ciconiidae
Native
LC
os
hg

Annexes
hg
os
oshg
r
Mammals
Spotted Dove
Stigmatopelia chinensis
Columbidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Green Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula aenea
Columbidae
Native
LC
os
hg
House Crow
Corvus splendens
Corvidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Jungle Crow
Corvus levaillantii
Corvidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Asian Koel
Eudynamys scolopaceus
Cuculidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Graeter Coucal
Centropus sinensis
Cuculidae
Native
LC
os
hg
White-bellied Drongo
Dicrurus caerulescens
Dicruridae
Native
LC
os
hg
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone paradisi
Monarchiidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Oriental Magpie Robin
Copsychus saularis
Muscicapidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Black Hooded Oriole
Oriolus xanthornus
Oriolidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Little Cormorant
Phalacrocorax niger
Phalacrocoracidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Gallus lafayetii
Phasianidae
Endemic
LC
os
hg
Greater Flameback
Chrysocolaptes lucidus
Picidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Psittacula krameri
Psittacidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Red-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus cafer
Pycnonotidae
Native
LC
os
hg
White Browed Bulbul
Pycnonotus luteolus
Pycnonotidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Brown-headed Barbet
Megalaima zeylanica
Ramphastidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis
Sturnidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Common Tailorbird
Orthotomus sutorius
Sylviidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Yellow Billed Babbler
Turdoides affinis
Timaliidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Sri Lanka Purple-faced langur
Semnopithecus vetulus
Cercopithecidae
Endemic
EN
hg
os
Brown mongoose
Herpestes brachyurus
Herpestidae
Native
LC
os
hg
Palm Squirrel
Funambulus palmarum
Sciuridae
Native
LC
os
Palm cat
Paradoxurus hermaphoditus
Viverridae
Native
LC
ABBRIVATIONS
RDB- Red Data Book, EN Endemic, N Native, VU Vulnerable, NT Near Threaten, CR Critically Endangered

Annexes
Habitat
OS
species
butterfly
rep
mamamls
pa
Mammals
butterfly
dragonflies
amphibians
rep
birds
butterflies
dragionflies
amphibians
rep
bird
butterflies
drag
rep
bi9rds
mammals
hg
rub
butterflies
dragonflies
amphibians
reptiles
birds
mammals
No
13 68.42105
4 21.05263
2 10.52632
1
6
7
6
2
29
6
3
1
4
29
8
1
4
29
3
1.960784
11.76471
13.72549
11.76471
3.921569
56.86275
13.33333
6.666667
2.222222
8.888889
64.44444
17.77778
2.222222
8.888889
64.44444
6.666667
26.50602
8.433735
7.228916
10.84337
33.73494
4.819277
total sp
19
51
45
45
11.875
0
0
0
31.875
0
0
0
0
0
28.125
0
0
0
0
28.125
List of Floral Species in Project Affected Areas

Family Name
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Anacardiaceae
Annonaceae
Annonaceae
Apiaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Apocynaceae
Araceae
Araceae
Araceae
Araceae
Araliaceae
Arecaceae
Arecaceae
Arecaceae
Arececeae
Arececeae
Asclepiadaceae
Bignoniaceae
Bombacaceae
Bombacaeae
Scientific Name
Spondias dulcis
Lannea coromandelica
Anacardium occidentale
Mangifera indica
Annona squamosa
Annona muricata
Centella asiatica
Plumeriya obtusa
Alstonia macrophylla
Walidda antidysenterica
Nerium oleander
Tabernaemontana divaricata
Colocasia esculenta
Alocasia macrorrhizos
Lasia spinosa
Rhaphidophora decursiva
Schefflera stellata
Cocos nucifera
Borassus flabellifer
Corypha umbraculifera
Caryota urens
Areca catechu
Calotropis gigantea
Tecoma stans
Durio zibethinus
Ceiba pentandra
Common Name
Ambarella
Hik
Kadju
Mango
Anoda
katu anoda
Gotukola
Araliya
Hawarinuga
Idda
Kaneru
Wathusudda
Gahala
Habarala
Kohila
Wel Kohila
Itta
Pol
Thal
thala
Kithul
Puwak
Wara
Kelanitissa
Duriyan
Pulun
Origin
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Endemic
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Habit
Tree
Tree
Small tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Prostrate herb
Small tree
Tree
Small tree
Small tree
Large herb
Large herb
Herb
Spiny herb
Climber
Epiphytic tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Very large herb
Small tree
tree
Tree
RDB
Status
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
Bromeliaceae
Caricaceae
Clusiaceae
Clusiaceae
Clusiaceae
Combretaceae
Connvolvulaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cycadaceae
Dilleniaceae
Dracaenaceae
Ebenaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Lauraceae
Lauraceae
Lecythidaceae
Leguminosae
Ananas comosus
Carica papaya
Calophyllum inophyllum
Garcinia quaesita
Mesua ferrea
Terminalia catappa
Ipomoea batatas
Memodica charantia
Cycas nathorstii
Dillenia retusa
Dracaena reflexa
Diospyros malabarica
Macaranga indica
Manihot glaziovii
Macaranga peltata
Manihot esculenta
Breynia retusa
Saraca asoca
Cassia fistula
Acacia caesia
Leucaena leucocephala
Gliricidia sepium
Annasi
Papaw
Domba
Goraka
Na
Kottamba
bathala
Karawila
Madu
Godapara
Song of India
Thimbiri
Bu kanda
Gas Manyokka
Kenda
Maniyok
Wa
Asoka
Ehela
Hinguru
Ipil ipil
Kona
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Endemic
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Desmodium heterophyllum
Mimosa pudica
Persea americana
Cinnamomum verum
Careya arborea
Adenanthera pavonina
Maha Udupiyaliya
Nidikumba
Butter fruit
Cinnamon
Kahata
Madatiya
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced

Herb
Small tree
Tree
tree
Tree
Tree
Herb
Climbing herb
Small tree
Small tree
Small Tree
Tree
Tree
tree
tree
Shrub
Small tree
Small tree
Tree
Climber
Small tree
Tree
Slender prostrate
herb
Woody herb
Tree
Tree
tree
Tree
Annexes
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
VU
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
Lythraceae
Malvaceae
Malvaceae
Meliaceae
Meliaceae
Meliaceae
Meliaceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moraceae
Moringaceae
Muscaceae
Myristicaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Nyctanthaceae
Piperaceae
Poaceae
Rubiaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
Sapindaceae
Sapindaceae
Sapindaceae
Sapotaceae
Lagerstroemia speciosa
Abelmoschus esculentus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Azadirachta indica
Melia azedarach
Sweteniya macrophyllya
Sweteniya mahogani
Ficus religiosa
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Artocarpus altilis
Moringa oleifera
Musa x paradisaca
Myristica fragrans
Syzygium aromaticum
Syzygium jambos
Syzygium cumini
Psidium guajava
Nyctanthes arbor-tristisx
Piper nigrum
Bambusa Vulgaris
Coffea arabica
Murraya paniculata
Aegle marmelos
Citrus aurnaticum
Murraya koenigii
Filicium decipiens
Nephelium lappaceum
Cardiospermum halicacabum
Chrysophyllum roxburgii

Muruta
Bandakka
Wada
Kohomba
Lunumidella
Mahogani
Mahogani
Bo
Kos
Ratadel
Murunga
Kesel
Sadikka
Colve
Jambu
Madan
Pera
Sepalika
Pepper
Kaha una
Kopi
Etteriya
Beli
Dodam
Karapincha
Pihimbiya
Rambutan
Welpenela
Lawulu
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Native
Tree
Climber
Large shrub
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Tree
Large tree
Tree
Tree
Giant herb
Tree
Tree
Tree
Shrub to tree
Small tree
Small tree
Twining herb
Tree like clump
Small tree
Small tree
Small tree
Tree
Small tree
Tree
Small tree
Climbing herb
Tree
Annexes
NT
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
Sapotaceae
Solanaceae
Sterculiaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Tiliaceae
Verbenaceae
Verbenaceae
Verbenaceae
Verbenaceae
Verbenaceae
Zingiberaceae
Madhuca longifolia
Datura metel
Sterculia balanghas
Triumfetta pentandra
Berrya cordifolia
Microcos paniculata
Stachytarpheta urticaefolia
Gmelina asiatica
Lantana camera
Clerodendrum infortunatum
Tectona grandis
Alpinia calcaratax

Mee
Attana
Nawa
Epala
Halmilla
Kohu Kirilla
Balunakuta
Demata
Gandapana
Pinna
Teak
Heen araththa
Native
Introduced
Native
Native
Native
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Native
Introduced
Introduced
Tree
Herb
Tree
Small herb
Tree
Shrub
Herb
Shrub
Woody herb
Small tree
Tree
Herb
Annexes
NT
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC

IEER Thul-Keg 07-10-13 Draft

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PROPOSED 132KV

TRANSMISSION LINE FROM

Ceylon Electricity Board

Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.

Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

Central Environmental Authority

Ceylon Electricity Board

Divisional Secretaries Division

Department of Wild Life Conservation

Environmental monitoring plan

Environmental management plan

Government of Sri Lanka

hectare (=10,000 square meters)

Initial environmental examination

Irrigation Department of Sri Lanka

Ministry of Power and Energy

Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka

mean sea level

National Environmental Act

project approving authority

Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation

Public Utility Commission of Sri Lanka

Road Development Authority

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT ON THE

Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives

Description of existing environment

Description of the anticipated environmental impacts

Proposed mitigatory measures

Conclusion and recommendation

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

1.2. Objective of the proposed project and justification of the project

1.3. Objective of the IEE report

1.4. Extent and scope of the study

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

1.5. Methodologies adopted in report preparation

Department of Agrarian Develompent

National Building Research Organization

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives

Construction of 132/33 kV GSS at Kegalle.

Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 nos. of 132 kV line bays.

2.2. Justification of the project

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

2.3. Description of the proposed project

2.3.2. Present use of land

Percentage of total line

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

ii. Divisional Secretariat

ii. Provincial Council

National Environmental Act N 47 of 1980, amendment N 56 of 1988, and other

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE

The project consists of the following components:

1 Nos. 31.5MVA, 132/33kV transformers

Augmentation of Thulhiriya GSS with 2 Nos. of 132kV line bays

Extension of the 132kV single Busbar transmission line bays

PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE