This is a Category A project according to IFC’s Procedure for Environment and Social Review of projects. The environmental, health, safety and social (EHSS) issues associated with this project that were identified in the original project review included:
- land acquisition and compensation;
- fisheries and riverine hydrology;
- loss of forests and common property resources such as grazing land;
- environmental and social impacts of the influx of a temporary construction work-force;
- environmental management of construction activities;
- worker health and safety during project construction and operations phases;
- employment of child labor during construction;
- dam safety;
- international waterways and the cumulative impacts of river basin development.
IFC’s ongoing review and supervision of the existing investment in ADHPL (since construction commenced in 2005) has shown the EHSS performance of the project is, for the most part, sound, especially given the size and complexity of the construction, coupled with the challenges of the site’s terrain and geology. IFC’s Independent Engineer also reports quarterly on environmental, social and health and safety aspects of the project.