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The Punjab Agriculture Department through its Directorate General Agriculture (Water Management) is implementing a World Bank assisted development project titled “Punjab Irrigated-Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project” aiming at improvement in water productivity at farm level in the entire province. In line with the prevailing legislation in the Country as well as World Bank safeguard policies, an Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) of the project has been carried out for the purpose. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (PEPA 1997) requires the proponents of every development project in the country to conduct an environmental assessment and submit its report to the relevant environmental protection agency. |
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In addition to the above, the World Bank Operational Policy 4.01 (OP 4.01) requires that environmental and social assessment be carried out before commencing projects being proposed for the Bank’s funding. In view of above, the study was conducted using a standard methodology prescribed by national and international agencies. Various phases of the study included screening, scoping, data collection and compilation, stakeholder consultations, impact assessment, and report compilation.
An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed to provide an implementation mechanism for the mitigation measures identified during the EIA. The ESMP provides the organization structure for the environmental and social management system during the project, and defines the roles and responsibilities of various players. It also includes a mitigation plan, the communication and documentation requirements, and training needs in the context of the environmental and social management of the project.
Environment and Social Assessment Report for PIPIP
Necessary arrangements are being finalized for smooth implementation of social and environmental management plan. Environmental & Social Management Cell (ESMC) has been established for smooth implementation of environmental and social management plan (ESMP) at provincial level. The training workshops for capacity building of concerned OFWM staff at regional & district level is being organized.