The sponsor has presented plans to address these impacts to ensure that all companies within the group carry out its business and operations in compliance with WBG Environmental and Social Policies and Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines and specifically IFC''s telecommunications Industry Guideline. BTL has also undertaken to design, build and operate future expansions or extensions of future projects in compliance with all pertinent national legislation and local standards, as well as WBG policies and guidelines. The information about how these potential impacts will be addressed by the sponsor is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
BTL has agreed to:
· develop an Environmental and Social Management Action Plan and Policy Statement at a Corporate level with operational plans for each working subsidiary including a requirement to report on the current status of fire and life safety protection within each office location;
· submit an annual report on its pipeline investments. The report will describe the investment, its location, the status of the investment and estimate any potential social and environmental impacts to the extent possible. In the unlikely event that activities will cause the physical or economic displacement of people, the Company will consult with IFC, and as appropriate submit a plan for relocation. The substance of the Resettlement Action Plan will comply with applicable WBG policies and procedures;
· implement local disclosure of environmental issues including publishing an announcement in the form of an Environmental Review Summary (ERS) in local newspapers in an appropriate cultural language and deposit the ERS and any other project documentation at least 30 days in advance of beginning new operations in each state;
· operate any Internet business in full knowledge of IFC’s general exclusion list and Internet Exclusion List which Bharti received and acknowledged by email September 13, 2000.
Selection and development of new sites will be carried out according to procedures laid down by government regulations established by the Central Environmental Authority, Cultural Authorities, Local Government, Urban Development Authority, and Civil Aviation Authority ( if appropriate). Cellular site installations will, in the main, be located within major cities and towns. Roof top installations will be utilized as much as possible to minimize the effect of construction and the requirements for higher antennas. Roof top installations will consist of shelter for equipment and small antenna masts for the mounting of antennas. BTL has given an assurance that green field site installations will not traverse sensitive areas (e.g., forest, wetlands, national parks etc.). All cell sites will be accessible from existing roads. This type of installation requires the acquisition or lease of real estate, the size of which will depend on the equivalent size of towers and equipment shelter. Land acquisition or leasing of green field site installations will be undertaken through a local real estate agent or through direct negotiations, but always on a willing buyer/ willing seller basis. Wherever practicable, BTL will “piggy back’ on the development of sites which already have existing installations.
Arrangements with respect to fiber optic cable laying where observed conform with local requirements regarding application for licenses for construction within the right-of way, distance from adjacent highways, depth of trenching and reinstatement arrangements following construction. BTL confirmed that no child labor was used on this work due to the nature of the physical labor involved. BTL confirmed that they would alert their subcontractors to IFC’s requirements on this issue.
BTL and their partners Singtel will be required to outline the regulatory framework and permitting requirements necessary for the construction and operation of the submarine cable. An Environmental Review will be completed to show that there are no potential environmental and social impacts (land acquisition), or health and safety risks that are associated with the cable landing aspects of the project. Further studies may need to be undertaken to address the potential for conflict with fishing activities, environmental characteristics of the ocean floor and shore landing areas, information on any land-based construction techniques or equipment to be used as well as any impacts on settlements, economic activity and impacts on other infrastructure. BTL will also provide an outline to IFC of the environmental measures required as a condition of final approval by relevant Government Agencies.
BTL is committed to undertake and provide IFC with details of future land acquisitions and to comply with WBG policies and guidelines in all current and future land acquisitions. In the unlikely event that activities will cause the physical or economic displacement of people, the Company will consult with the IFC, and, as appropriate, submit a Resettlement Action Plan for relocation. The substance of the Resettlement Action Plan will comply with applicable WBG policies and procedures.
Solid and liquid waste generated as part of network installation and operations are limited and will be disposed of in accordance with local regulations including septic tank sludge disposal. Any existing equipment containing polychlorinated bi-phenol''s (PCBs) will be phased out according to IFC''s Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines for Telecommunications. BTL has given an assurance that their phase out plan will follow the requirements stipulated by Indian regulations requiring phase - out by 2002. BTL will only use authorized contractors to undertake this work and will ensure that disposal is carried out in compliance with the requirements of relevant host-country legislation and or industry best practice guidance. Processes, equipment and central cooling systems involving the use or potential release to the environment of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s including Halon), will not be installed. Alternative options for HCFC 22 or R-22 include Suva 9000 (R407C) and 9100 (R410A). Generators used for back-up power supply (diesel or propane) are usually installed with sound attenuation enclosures. Fuel storage tanks will also be equipped with secondary containment.
All facilities will be equipped with fire protection devices including fire extinguishers. Additionally, site installations and any central offices will be equipped with first aid kits and safety equipment (e.g., goggles, protective headgear, gloves, safety climbing equipment etc.). The company will provide training on environmental, health and safety issues including work place procedures and equipment handling methods. Each company has also committed to designate a person to oversee environmental, health and safety matters.
