CEG was appointed as a Consultant to conduct Environment & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study of Kamala – Dhalkebar – Pathaliya section (130 kms) of the Mahendra Highway in Nepal to enhance the road capacity and efficiency in road transport. The Highway forms an integral part of trade connectivity with neighbouring countries and there is an increase in passenger and freight traffic with the increase in trade, necessitating the upgradation of the Highway to match with the Asian Highway Standards. The assignment involved following objectives:

• • Carrying out Environment & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Study
• • Carrying out Biodiversity and Critical Habitats Assessment
• • Preparation of Resettlement Action Plan
• • Preparation of Indigenous Peoples Development Plan

Through these studies, CEG collected a baseline data on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the project area, assessed the impact of the project on them through stakeholder consultation and proposed measures to address them. We also performed an assessment of the key labour risks such as hazardous work, child labour, forced labour, migrant or seasonal workers, discrimination against women, gender-based violence, discrimination against vulnerable groups in terms of access to jobs and project related opportunities, etc. The presence of Indigenous People (IP) within the project’s direct area of influence was also assessed and suitable mitigation plan was devised. In addition to the above, CEG also assessed the impact of highway upgradation on local flora and fauna such as wildlife migration corridor, bat roosting areas, presence of natural and critical habitats, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and threatened species, etc. Based on the baseline data, we suggested a suitable mitigation plan so that the project does result in net loss to natural habitats and is successful at achieving a net gain on critical habitats.