PROPOSED 132kV
TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Ceylon Electricity Board
April|2014
Initial Environmental Examination
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT 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 kV 21.5 km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line.
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.
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:
At present Kegalle, Mawanella, Pogahawela and Rambukkana areas has an estimated load growth rate of 5%.
Since most of the areas around Kegalle are fed by long 33kV distribution lines starting from either Thulhiriya
GSS or Kiribathkumbura GSS, said areas experience poor service levels of electricity supply due to voltage drops
and frequent interruptions.
This project will address said problems and 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.
Domestic, commercial and industrial consumers of Kegalle and surroundings will benefit in terms of reliability and
voltage profile. In addition, the quality improvement of the power supply would 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.
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 natural and social environment
and the predicted impacts on it due to the project were established.
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 are the only protected areas 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, as well as local
improvements of power supply.
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). Possibility of
landslide hazards due to the tower foundations located in steep terrain (approximately 50% of the total length)
is also anticipated. 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. There will be no resettlement activities
involved in construction of transmission line of grid substation.
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, as stipulated in the Electricity Act 2009. Where
the line traverse through cultivations such as paddy, damages to the harvesting will be minimized by adjusting the
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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 as annex 6.2. 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.
Monitoring Plan:
The recommendations of the IEE Report are made available to the Project Manager (CEB) of the Project. The
Monitoring Plan will be implemented by the Project Manager and his staff with the coordination of the
Environment Unit of CEB, and the selected contractor/s would be made responsible for implementing appropriate
mitigation measures mentioned in the IEER. 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 with such agencies. The
proposed Monitoring Plan is mentioned in table 6.1.
Conclusion:
A number of alternative line routes have been proposed based on 1:50,000 topographical maps during initial
route selection and among those, three alternatives were preferred for further evaluation, all of which has
avoided the protected areas mentioned above, and were located avoiding the human settlements as much as
possible. Due to the higher density of population and smaller plots of land within areas of Hunuwala,
Dewalegama and Egalla etc, the social impacts were more prominent compared to the other impacts. After the
comparison of those alternatives, the proposed route has been selected as more attractive with emphasis to the
land use, social concerns, as well as environmental impacts, compared to others.
The proposed project will improve operational efficiency and quality of power, reliability of the system and at the
same time will reduce transmission losses. Electricity consumers of the Keggalle and surrounding areas will be
positively benefited, with enhanced quality and reliability of power supply to the region through the project, and it
will boost economic development of the area by strengthening the power transmission infrastructure. Main
negative impacts are removal of trees along the line corridor and location of transmission line above relatively
smaller plots of lands, while other construction impacts are primarily short term and will be diminished with time.
Overall, the major social and environmental impacts associated with the transmission projects are minimal
compared to many development projects of similar scale and can be mitigated to an acceptable level by
implementation of recommended measures and by best engineering and environmental practices.
Considering above, implementation of this project could be strongly recommended in view of its national and
local benefits.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
ABBREVIATIONS
ADB
-
Asian Development Bank
CEA
-
Central Environmental Authority
CEB
-
Ceylon Electricity Board
DoF
-
Department of Forest Conservation
DS
-
Divisional Secretary
DSD
-
Divisional Secretaries Division
DWLC
-
Department of Wild Life Conservation
EMoP
-
Environmental monitoring plan
GoSL
-
Government of Sri Lanka
GSS
-
Grid Substation
ha
-
hectare (=10,000 square meters)
IEE
-
Initial environmental examination
km
-
kilometer
kV
-
kilovolt
m
-
Meter
MoPE
-
Ministry of Power and Energy
MW
-
megawatt
NEA
-
National Environmental Act
NBRO
-
National Building Research Organization
PAA
-
project approving agency
SLLRDC
-
Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation
RDA
-
Road Development Authority
RoW
-
right of way
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
18
4.
Description of the anticipated environmental impacts
38
5.
Proposed mitigatory measures
58
6.
Monitoring program
65
7.
Conclusion and recommendation
70
Annexes
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 Lanka’s 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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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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). Outcomes of the studies helped to identify high impact areas and as a result proposed
line route was optimized accordingly to minimize environmental impacts.
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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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. In case of Grid
Substations, a distance of 100m from the boundaries of the Project site was taken. While 100%
sampling was done within the RoW which is 15m on either side of the centre line, samples were taken
up to 50m from the centre line on either side for studies. 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 living on the RoW as well as upto 50m on either side from
the centre line. 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.
In addition to these, CEB hired licensed surveyors to carry out profile survey to identify land features
along the line route. Outcomes of the IEE studies and profile survey were incorporated into the design
and CEB has optimized the line route by introducing new angle points and shifting some angle points
along the alignment in order to minimize ecological and sociological impacts. IEE study was extended to
cover all the deviations. National Building Research Organization (NBRO) then carried out land slide risk
assessment for the adjusted line route, which is given as an addendum to the initial report (Annex 6.4).
1.6. The approvals needed for the proposed development from state agencies

Department of Agrarian Development (approval is pending)

National Building Research Organization (Received)
1.7. Any conditions laid down by state agencies in granting preliminary clearance for the project
Letter from the Dept. of Agrarian Development to Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation
(SLLRDC) requesting their recommendations is attached as annex 6.1. Recommendation letter from SLLRDC
is attached as annex 6.2. Dept. of Agrarian Development has assured that their permission will be granted
once CEB secured the ownership of the land with the letter attached as annex 6.3.
Landslide Investigation Report by National Building Research Organization containing specific mitigation
measures is attached as annex 6.4.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
2. Description of the proposed project and reasonable alternatives
Description of the project
2.1. Aim and scope of the project
State the project’s main objectives, main beneficiaries and the expected social economic
effects.
The project envisages construction of

Construction of 132 kV 21.5 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 transmission
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 proposed
Thulhiriya – Kegalle 132kV transmission line (21.5 km) 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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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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, in accordance with the
Electricity Act of 2009.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
2.3.3. Pradeshiya Sabaha Area(s), Divisional Secretariat(s), Provincial Council(s) in which the
project is to be located
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 Nº 47 of 1980, amendment Nº 56 of 1988, and other
amendments
Electricity Act No. 20 of 2009
Agrarian Services Act (Nº 58 of 1979)
Agrarian Development Act Nº 46 of 2000
Felling of Trees (Amendment Act Nº 01 of 2000 and Act to amend felling of trees
control)
Forest Ordinance Act Nº 13 of 1966
Forest (Amendment) Act Nº 65 of 2009
Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, Nº 13 of 1986
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and remains Act, 1958. Act Nº24 of 1958
Antiques Ordinance, 1960
Soil Conservation (Amendment) Act Nº 24 of 1996
2.3.6. Clearances / permits obtained from relevant state agencies and or local authorities
Clearance from Department of Agrarian Services was 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Reclamation Development Corporation (SLRDCC) to send their recommendations for above
development, including a drainage plan (if required), before giving their clearance. Request letter from
Department of Agrarian Services is attached in annex 6.1. CEB has already paid the relevant estimate to
(SLRDCC) for above consultancy work, and their recommendations are attached as annex 6.2. Owners of
the proposed GSS land are willing to sell their allotments and the purchasing process is underway in
collaboration with the Department of Valuation. Dept. of Agrarian Development has assured that their
permission will be granted once CEB secured the ownership of the land. (Annex 6.3)
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
6.4.
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 21.5km, double circuit (Zebra) Thulhiriya to Kegalle transmission line
having approximately 82 Nos. Lattice towers of around 30m of height
 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 is
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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). 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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 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. 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 straight-line
portions 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 well compacted soil fill would be sufficient. For tower foundations, there are nine strength
classes decide upon soil parameters and level of water table, ranging from homogeneous rock to most
week soils.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 handcarried 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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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 for 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 contractor’s 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
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)
(ii)
(iii)
Removal of rust and re-painting (old galvanizing) of any tower steel members with
corrosion
Replacing any damaged insulators
Removal/pruning of trees/branches of them which may grow above 3m, height along
the 35m wide line corridor.
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.
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
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 from above
activities.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
-
Sources of hazardous / electronic waste (if any)
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
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 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE


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 environmental and social impacts, the cost effectiveness of the
transmission line etc. The Alternative 1 having minimum social and environmental concerns, with
reasonable cost effectiveness have been selected. Evaluation of alternative is given in detail in section
7.1.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. 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 Summary of the distribution of flora
according to the habitats in the project area shows the distribution of the flora while
Table 3.3 shows the distribution of the fauna in the affected habitats. The full list of flora
and fauna species encountered in the Project affected areas is shown in annex 7.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Flora
Table 3. 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. 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
Birds
Mammals
6
7
6
2
29
1
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
sReptiles
Birds
Mammals
6
3
1
4
29
2
Home
gardens
Rubber
Plantati
30.76
%
10
23.6842
1
23.6842
1
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
s
Reptiles
Butterflies 8
Dragonflies 1
Ende
mic
specie
s
%
Endang
ered
species
%
1
1
5.9
4.4
4.4
%
Near
Thre
aten
ed
%
4
1
1
4
1
1
NA
NA
NA
2
1
Vulner
able
species
1
2.
22
2.
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
NA
2.2
2.22
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
ons
Amphibian
s
Reptiles
Open
Scrub
lands
5
25.7894
7
Birds
Mammals
0
4
29
3
Butterflies
Dragonflies
Amphibian
sReptiles
Birds
Mammals
13
0
0
4
29
3
4
1
1
1
1
1
6.1
2
22
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
2.
04
2
1
2.04
3.2.2. Rare threatened and endemic species
Table 3.4 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. 4
Family
The distribution of endemic, threatened and vulnerable flora in the Project area
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
*
*
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Fauna
Table 3. 5
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.
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
Page 23
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 3.6, 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 3.7). As
the public roads are concerned the proposed line crosses over two points of major roads.
Table 3. 6
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
Table 3. 7
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
-
Distribution of families by the land use
Land
Cultivated Land
Not Cultivated land
Total
Frequency
34
18
52
%
65.4
34.6
100.0
3.3.2. Population characteristics of the divisions crossed
The proposed transmission line traverses through four divisional secretary’s 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 Secretary’s 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 3.8. 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. 3.9. 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.3.10. Accordingly 92.7% are Buddhists and the rest
belongs to other religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Catholic and Christian.
Table 3. 8 Population by Divisional Secretary’s Divisions
Population
Divisions
Source
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. 9 Distribution of Population by Ethnicity
Division
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
:
Sinhalese
Tamil
Muslim
78542
1028
2646
86676
2652
1051
70012
2738
715
103869
3565
5100
339101
9983
9512
(94.4%)
(2.8%)
(2.6%)
Department of census and statistics 2011
Other
Total
157
115
477
49
798
(0.2%)
82373
90494
73942
112583
359392
(100%)
Other
Christian
2368
561
Other
Total
14
16
82373
90494
Table 3. 10 Distribution of population by the Religion
Division
Buddhists
Hindu
Islam
Rambukkana
Kegalle
75093
85209
799
1985
2817
1235
Roman
Catholic
1282
1488
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
:
69712
2241
1263
451
103316
2773
5731
536
333330
7798
11046
3757
(92.7% )
(2.2%) (3.1%)
(1.0%)
Department of census and statistics 2011
267
246
3442
(1.0%)
8
17
55
(0.01%)
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 3.11 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 3.12 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 3.13)
Table 3. 11 Distribution of Housing Units by Divisional Secretary’s Divisions
Division
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
Single Two
Three
Attach
Flats
Twin
storie Stor or more
ed
hous
d
ed
stored
house
e
20168 1384
82
37
25
36
20616 1939
174
113
28
18076 919
29
39
35
26974 1364
57
55
64
85834 5606
342
244
25
163
91.1% 5.6%
0.4%
0.3%
0.02% 0.2%
:
Department of census and statistics 2011
Line
room
s
97
357
497
254
1475
1.2%
Huts
Shan
ty
102
102
127
83
414
0.4%
other
Total
25
13
7
24
69
0.07%
21956
23342
19729
29145
94172
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 12 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction
Divisional
Secretary’s
Division
Rambukkana
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
Warakapola
Total
Source
Brick
18088
15774
12893
15448
Cement
block
stones
2021
5473
4899
9570
Cabook
72
88
125
226
Pressed
soil
bricks
331
608
487
1517
Mud
Cadjan
Plank
Other
Total
1178
1184
1134
2029
67
15
86
78
175
178
86
209
24
22
19
68
21956
21342
19729
29145
246
(0.3%)
734
(0.8%)
133
(0.1%)
92172
(100%)
62203
21963
511
2943
5525
(67.5%) (23.8%)
(0.6%)
(3.2%) (6.0%)
:
Department of census and statistics 2011
Table 3. 13 Distribution of Housing Units by the Principle Material of Construction
Divisional
Secretary's
Division
Tile
Rambukkana
15037
4060
Kegalle
Galigamuwa
13661
13359
6293
3676
Warakapola
Total
Source
Asbestos Concrete
Zink,
Aluminum
sheet
Metal
sheet
Cadjan
Other
Total
672
196
1765
200
26
21956
900
383
174
204
2167
1953
120
133
27
21
23342
19729
2170
8055
(8.6%)
252
705
(0.7%)
21244
4461
668
288
63301
18490
2623
862
(67.2%)
(20.0%)
(2.8%)
(0.9%)
:
Department of census and statistics 2011
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.3.14)
Table 3. 14 Distribution of Households by the Principle Source of Drinking water
Divisional
Secretary's
Division
Rambukkana
Well
Pipe-born
Water
Other
Sources
Total
Households
16886
4020
823
22034
Kegalle
13563
6672
1245
Galigamuwa
16606
707
1491
Warakapola
25451
938
1226
Source :
Department of census and statistics 2011
23407
19760
29188
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3.15 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 socio-economic 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. 15 Households by the Principle Type of Lighting
Division
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
:
Department of census and statistics 2011
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
3.16. Galigamuwa and Warakapola Divisional seemed to have 75% of households compared to
others.
Table 3. 16 Distribution of Families by Divisional Secretariat and District
Divisional Secretariats within the District
(Kegalle)
No. of Families
%
14
26.9
Warakapola
4
7.7
Kegalle
25
48.1
Galigamuwa
9
17.3
Rabukkana
Total
52
100
The Table 3.17 shows the distribution of families by GramaNiladari Divisions. They fall in to 9
Divisions such as Egalla, Thulhiriya, Kolongalla, Walagama, kawdamulla, Talgama, Veragoda,
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. 17 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
Graph for table 3.17
No. of Families by GN Division
25
20
15
10
5
0
As shown in the Table 3.18 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
3.19). 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 3.20),
According to the Table 3.21, only 32.6% of family members are employed, whereas 22.6% is still
school children.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 18 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
Table 3. 19 Distribution of population of families by gender
Gender
Male
female
Total
No. of People %
93
97
190
48.9
51.1
100.0
Table 3. 20 Distribution of population of families by Age
Age category
Below 18 years
19-30years
31-55years
56-65years
Above 65 years
Total
No. of People
55
37
78
14
6
190
%
28.9
19.5
41.1
7.4
3.2
100.0
Table 3. 21 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 3.22 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 3.22).
The nature of land ownership is as shown in the Table 3.23. 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. 22 Distribution of families by the quantity of Land Possession
Quantity of land
Less than 0.125 acre
above0.125 to 0.25 acre
above e0.25 to 0.5 acre
above 1 to 2 acre
above 5 acre
Total
Frequency
14
20
11
6
1
52
%
26.9
38.5
21.2
11.5
1.9
100.0
Table 3. 23 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 3.24). 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 3.25). Except one family living in a
wattle and daub house, all the families possess permanent houses but with limited space (Table
3.26). 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 3.27).
Additional building is available only for 32% of families in their residential lands. (Table 3.28)
Table 3. 24 Distribution of families by the residence
Residence
Permanent
temporary
Total
frequency
49
3
52
%
94.2
5.8
100
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 25 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
Table 3. 26 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. 27 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. 28 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
3.29) Radio sets are used by 82.7% of respondents (Table 3.30). 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 3.31 and Table 3.32) The mean height of the antenna is 12.5 feet and the
maximum height being 15 feet. (Table 3.33) Computers are available for only 30.8% of the 52
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
families (Table 3.34) However, only 7 families (13.5%) reported the use of internet facilities.
(Table 3.35)
Table 3. 29 Distribution of families by the use of television sets
Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
48
92.3
4
7.7
52
100
Table 3. 30 Distribution of families by the use of radio
Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
43
82.7
9
17.3
52
100
Table 3. 31 Distribution of families by the use of antenna
Response
frequency %
yes
40
76.9
No
12
23.1
Total
52
100
Table 3. 32 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. 33 Height of the antenna
Height of the Antenna
N
Mean height
Maximum height
Statistics
40
12.55feet
15 feet
Table 3. 34 Distribution of families by the use of Computers
Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
16
30.8
36
69.2
52
100
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 35 Distribution of families by the use of Internet Facility
Response
yes
No
Total
frequency %
7
13.5
45
86.5
52
100.0
Domestic industries
As the domestic industries are concerned, only 15.4% of families reported to have such
industries (Table 3.36).
Table 3. 36 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 3.37 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 3.38)
Table 3. 37 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Economic Status of residents
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 3.39. 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. 38 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. 39 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 3.40).
Three families plan to construct or/and reconstruct houses for residential purposes and two
families have plans for constructing buildings for business purposes (Table 3.41).
Table 3. 40 Future Plans for construction in the land
Response
Yes
No
Total
Frequency
5
47
52
%
9.6
90.4
100.0
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 41 Type of Construction
construction
House/Reconstructions
Building for Business
Total
Frequency
3
2
5
%
60
40
100
People’s 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 3.42)
Table 3. 42 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
Furthermore, their willingness to accept the project was questioned to learn about reasons and
the responses are as mentioned in the Table 3.43. 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 3.44)
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 their current income. (Table 3.44)
Table 3. 43 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 44 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. 45 Distribution of families by 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 3.45. 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, suspicion over getting a reasonable compensation and loss
of valuable cultivation (Table 3.47). Those accepting the compensation reiterated the same
reason given for their positive stand towards the project (Table 3.46).
Table 3. 46 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 3. 47 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
4. ENVIRONMENTEL IMPACTS
4.1. Construction Impacts
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 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
minimum hindrance to local drainage patterns. Recommendations laid out by SLLRDC are
attached as annex 6.2.
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 Cl. 4.1.3.
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
released 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.
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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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,
some 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.
As high–voltage 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
Page 41
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
(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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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, 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 Land Use in the line route
No Land Use Data
Total Line Length
Land Usage
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Coconut
Rubber
Home Garden
Paddy
No of Crossing
Railway
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
River Crossing
Tanks
21.5 km
Percentage of total
line length (%)
18.79
37.37
42.64
Corridor width
(m)
30
30
30
30
Total affected
Area (ha)
12.1
24.2
27.4
2
-
Table 4. 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
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
reduction of paddy lands available for cultivation as farmers could cultivate the area under the
towers leaving only the tower bases.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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%).
Of the habitat types the highest faunal diversity was recorded in paddy lands (51%) followed by
homegardens (45%) and rubber plantations with other natural flora (45%). The least was
recorded from open scrublands (19%). 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%). The highest butterfly occurrence was recorded in open
scrublands (68.42%) followed by rubber plantations (17.77%), homegardens (13.33%) and
paddy lands (11.76%).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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. 3 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
many birds in all these habitats, when trees are removed the trees used by birds for roosting
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 132kV
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 wetland’s 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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE


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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. 4 the details of the assessment and the rating done on the floral species encountered
Species
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
4
Over
all
ratin
g
9
5
5
2
1
1
2
3
2
7
4
6
4
9
4
2
8
5
4
9
5
4
9
: Significant impact on the survival of species
: Moderate impact on the survival of species
: Low impact on the survival of species
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Table 4. 5 The details of the assessment and the rating done on the faunal species encountered
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)
2
Orthetrum
luzonicum
(Marsh skimmer)
2
Fejervarya
kirtisinghei
In
India
and
SL
In S.
Asia
In
Asia
1
2
In
other
contin
ents
1
Rest
rict
ed
to
Foun
d in
othe
r
1 5
5
Otocryptis
wiegmanni
(Sri Lanka
Kangaroo Lizard)
5
Gallus lafayetii
(Sri Lanka Jungle
Fowl)
5
Fou
nd
on
mor
2
Level
of
mobi
lity
&
Over
all
ratin
g
3
8
1
2
3
7
1
2
3
8
2
3
11
2
4
12
2
4
11
3
11
4
11
4
Hylarana gracilis
(Sri Lanka Wood
Frog)
From 15-20
From 10-15
From 5-10
Distributio
n in SL
()
3
2
: Significant impact on the survival of species
: Moderate impact on the survival of species
: Low impact on the survival of species
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
From 0-5
: No impact on the survival of species
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, 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,
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 migratory 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 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. 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. 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. 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. Landslide hazards
Since around 50% of the total line length traverse along hilly terrain, construction of towers in
steep areas (especially foundation excavation) may cause instability, and can induce landslide
hazards, particularly in rainy season.
4.2.5. 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
emergency procedures manual will be kept. Necessary training regarding the safety aspects of the
personnel working at the project site will be provided.
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.
d. Landslide hazards
Considering the possibility of landslides triggered due to tower foundations located in hilly terrain,
a complete report regarding possibility of landslides and proposed precautions/ remedial measures
have been obtained from NBRO, which is attached as annex 6.4. However, few minor deviations
has been effected to the initially proposed route in order to minimize the social impacts, including
a smaller length closer to Kegalle GSS .Since thet length also traverse above hilly terrain, an
addendum to the initial report (which should be read in conjuction with previous report) from
NBRO has also been obtained, which is also attached as 6.4. The recommendations given in the said
reports shall be strictly adhered to, during the construction of the tower foundations.
4.2.6. 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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 NelundeniyaAlawwa 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. Details in regard to the exact crossing points of the railway tracks and roads
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 Karandupona- Rambukkana
Road.
4.3.2. 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
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 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
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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 encountered even at
a later stage, CEB will ensure to make necessary deviations, as per the directives of Department of
Archaeology.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
5. Proposed Mitigatory Measures
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.
Mitigation of 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. Possibility of erosion from tower foundations located in hilly terrain is
minimized by construction of earth retaining structures and/or turfing wherever necessary. 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). In addition to
these mitigation measures, specific remedial measures mentioned in NBRO landslide investigation
report (attached as annex 6.2) shall be strictly adhered to during tower construction in hilly terrain.
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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.
Mitigation of 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.
Mitigation of impacts on canals, other irrigation structure and water bodies
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.
Mitigation of other ecological impacts
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 children’s 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. CEB will make provisions for any houses along the transmission line corridor that are
already approved by local authority. If it is a two story construction, necessary provision may be kept
after raising the height of the towers.
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
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.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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
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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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 chosen to blend with or complement the landscape around them. Stronger conductors can
minimize line sag.
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
6. Monitoring program
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.
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Table 6.1 Monitoring Plan
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
Clearance of 30m
line corridor
Loss of land use
Loss of vegetation
Proposed mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement
and frequency
Avoid traversing above protected
and densely populated areas
Protected areas in the vicinity
Avoid/ minimize traversing above
houses/ buildings wherever
practicable
Examine alternative routes, and
select the route causing the
minimum impacts on long-term
land-use, and minimum possible
removal of trees
Number of buildings along
the line route, urban and
suburban
centers
of
population crossed by the
line, proportion of line route
through such areas
Payment
of
appropriate
compensation for trees and crop
damage
% people who received
appropriate compensation
Site clearance and
access to tower
footings
Temporary
obstruction of access
roads,
waterways,
clearance of trees and
shrubs
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
Construction of
access roads,
construction of
tower foundations
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.
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
The progress of the effort to
vegetate the exposed areas
with ground vegetation
Institutional
responsibility
Implementat
ion schedule
During preliminary
route
selection,
reviewed during field
visits and in final line
design
survey,
further
reviewed
after the notices are
issued and DS’s
rulings
CEB
Before
route
finalized
Along
the
especially
homegardens
Monthly
CEB
During the
process of
wayleave
clearance
CEB
Construction
period
CEB
Construction
period
and
when
the
Contractor
leaves
one
location
line
-
Regularly throughout
the
construction
period,
inspection
after the completion
when the contractor
leaves the site
Regularly during the
site visits; the air and
water quality should
be measured at
monthly intervals
line
is
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Project activity
Potential impact
Proposed mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement
and frequency
Institutional
responsibility
Implementat
ion schedule
vegetation
Re use of excavated material as
much as possible,
Tower foundation
and stringing works
in
farmlands/
paddy fields
Loss of agricultural
productivity
Earthworks in new
GSS site resulting in
uncontrolled
erosion/silt runoff
Soil
loss,
downstream siltation
at sites adjoining GSs
and
also
tower
footings
Dust
in
the
construction areas
Handling
of
construction
materials
and
transportation
of
materials to and
from the site
Mechanized
construction
Equipment layout
and installation
Use soil conservation practices ie
berms, dykes, coir mats, sand
bags
Avoid cultivation &harvesting
periods of paddy fields/ farmlands
wherever predictable,
Payment of compensation for
any losses incurred
Staged compacting of filling at
Kegalle GSs, covered gravel
stockpile and loose material,
Cover the exposed areas with
vegetation in the long term
Damp the worksites with water
Apply speed limits to the vehicles,
use tarpaulin to cover the
material during transport
Noise, vibration and
operator safety
Noise and vibrations
caused
during
construction activities
Construction equipment to be
well maintained, and operated to
minimize the noise & vibrations.
Operation of heavy machinery in
night hours to be limited to very
urgent cases only.
Construction techniques and
machinery selection seeking to
minimize ground disturbance
Land
area
of
active
agriculture lost at each tower
footings and
along the
transmission corridor
Monthly report of
the status
CEB
Construction
period
Visual observation of runoff
and siltation of storm water
drains, Suspended solids &
oil in the water
Monthly report of
the status
CEB
Construction
period
The number of uncovered
vehicles bring material and
their speed of travel
Roads leading to the
construction sites weekly
CEB
Construction
period
Construction
equipment
status, hours of operation,
noise
and
vibration,
maintenance
Observations during
site
visits,
as
frequently
as
required
CEB
Construction
period
Selection of the machinery by
the Contractor
Construction
techniques
and
machinery creating
CEB
Construction
period
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Project activity
Temporary
blockage, loss of
service of utilities
Nuisance to nearby
properties
Potential impact
Loss of power supply
to local areas, when
distribution
lines
crossing the new
transmission line are
switched off
Losses to
neighbouring land
uses/ values from
disposal of waste
Proposed mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement
and frequency
The
noise
levels
and
condition of the said
machineries - according to
the land use conditions on
and around the line route
have to be more specific
about the noise and vibration
levels during the day time
and night time (if applicable)
Total hours of power
shutdown
minimal
ground
disturbance, before
commencement of
site work
Contract specifying careful
construction practices.
Contract
Appropriate contact clauses to
ensure
satisfactory
implementation of contractual
environmental
mitigation
measures.
Compliance report related to
environmental aspects for
the contract
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
reserve tanks
Transformer oil sump
checked through physical
measurement of volume and
visual inspection
Minimize the duration of line
shutdown
by
careful
programming of work
Institutional
responsibility
Implementat
ion schedule
Monitored regularly
during the period of
stringing
the
conductors.
CEB
Construction
period
Incorporating good
construction
management
practices, regularly
during construction
Submission of duly
completed
compliance report
for each contract –
once
CEB
Construction
period
Oil sump volume and
permeability, Every
year after
completion
CEB
During
operations
Operation and Maintenance
Transformer
spillage
Oil
Contamination
of
land/nearby
water
bodies
Test the
content
waters
for
oil
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
Project activity
Electric Shock
Hazards
Potential impact
Injury/mortality
staff and public
to
Proposed mitigation
measure
Parameter to be
monitored
Measurement
and frequency
Careful design using appropriate
technologies
to
minimise
hazards
Usage
of
appropriate
technologies (number of
injury incidents, lost work
days)
The
length
of
the
transmission line which is
clear of any obstructions
Maintenance of fences
Preparedness level
for using these
technologies
in
crisis – once a year
Every 6 months
Regular inspection of the
transmission line to clear any
vegetation /obstructions
Security fences around Grid
Substations
Appropriate warning signs on
facilities
Electricity safety awareness
raising in project areas
Maintenance of warning
signs
Training/awareness
programs for all concerned
parties
Inadequate
periodic
environmental
monitoring
Diminished
ecological and social
values
Staff to receive training in
environmental monitoring of
project
operations
and
maintenance activities
Training/awareness
programs for all relevant
staff
Excessive noise in
GSS
Nuisance
neighbouring
properties
Grid Substations sited and
designed to ensure noise will
not be a nuisance
Noise levels (dB )
to
Institutional
responsibility
Implementat
ion schedule
CEB
Included
in
design
and
monitored
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
CEB
Page 70
7. Conclusion and recommendation
7.1 Evaluation of Alternatives
During the initial route selection, it was observed that the land use between two terminal points
mainly consists of plantations (mostly rubber and few coconut trees etc.), home gardens and few
paddy corridors. Also, a forest reserve area (Thulhirikanda FR) is located between two terminal points.
Therefore, the alternative routes were considered giving due consideration to avoid traversing above
said forest reserve, houses/buildings, small plots of lands, home gardens and plantations, and also
efforts were given to locate the line route through the paddy corridors wherever available.
In the initial stage, a number of alternative line routes have been proposed based on 1:50,000
topographical maps and Google Earth Satellite images 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
below. The cost of each alternative is also estimated considering the total length, no. of angle points
and terrain conditions (flat, hilly, marshy…etc), and included in the comparison.
Table 7.1 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
-
-
24
47
32
ii)
No. of Houses
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)
Other plantations
7.27
5.67
6.29
PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
3.
Other important features
i)
Railway crossing
ii)
iii)
iv)
4.
5.
6.
7.
-
-
-
Major (A ,B type )road crossing
4
4
River Crossing
Tanks
Construction Problems
O& M Problems
Estimated Construction cost
Overall Remarks
1
-
4
1
Moderate
minimum
860 Million LKR
Least social impact,
shorter in length and
away from metal
quarries
High
Moderate
843 Million LKR
Higher social
impact, and closer
to metal quarries
2
Moderate
Moderate
830 Million LKR
Lengthy and closer
to metal quarries
Comparison of 3 alternatives revealed that all three options have avoided the forest reserve
(Thulhirikanda), and have been located mostly through paddy corridors. Apparently the land use along
3 options were mostly similar, except that option 1 traverse slightly higher percentage of length
through rubber and other plantations and home gardens, and somewhat lesser percentage of length
through paddy, compared to other two options. However the impact of it on small plots of land is
relatively less, and traversing above houses is minimal compared to other two options. Also, option 1
has lesser angle towers, causes minimum damage to settlements and situated well away from metal
quarries in the area. It crosses the only river in entire route making minimum damage to riverine
vegetation. It is shorter in length and involves minimum ROW problems. Although the cost of option 1
is somewhat higher compared to other two options, 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 a 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
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PROPOSED 132kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT FROM THULHIRIYA TO KEGALLE
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. For the 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 back 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 laborers
(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.
Electricity consumers (Domestic, commercial and industrial) in Kegalle and surrounding areas 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. Given due consideration to above, it can be concluded that
benefits of the project far outweigh negative impacts associated with it.
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