Nepal : Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project

Sovereign Project | 52195-001

The priority river basins flood risk management project will improve the resilience of communities to flooding in six river basins in the Terai region in Nepal. It is in line with Nepal's National Water Plan, 2002-2027 to reduce social and economic losses from water-induced disasters through blending structural and nonstructural measures. The project will protect agricultural land and households in priority areas from a 1-in-50-year return period flood by constructing flood embankments, spurs, and outlet structures. The local response to flooding will be strengthened through the development installation of flood forecasting and early warning systems (FFEWSs) and community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM).

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Singh, Deepak Bahadur
    South Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Nepal
  • Sector
    • Agriculture, natural resources and rural development
Project Name Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project
Project Number 52195-001
Country / Economy Nepal
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Loan
Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 0741-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project
Asian Development Fund US$ 10.00 million
Loan 3977-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project
Concessional ordinary capital resources lending US$ 40.00 million
TA 6568-NEP: Implementation Support for the Priority River Basin Flood Risk Management Project
Water Financing Partnership Facility-NET TF US$ 750,000.00
Technical Assistance Special Fund US$ 500,000.00
Operational Priorities OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
OP3: Tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability
OP5: Promoting rural development and food security
OP6: Strengthening governance and institutional capacity
Sector / Subsector

Agriculture, natural resources and rural development / Rural flood protection - Rural water policy, institutional and capacity development
Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The priority river basins flood risk management project will improve the resilience of communities to flooding in six river basins in the Terai region in Nepal. It is in line with Nepal's National Water Plan, 2002-2027 to reduce social and economic losses from water-induced disasters through blending structural and nonstructural measures. The project will protect agricultural land and households in priority areas from a 1-in-50-year return period flood by constructing flood embankments, spurs, and outlet structures. The local response to flooding will be strengthened through the development installation of flood forecasting and early warning systems (FFEWSs) and community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM).
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Nepal's comparatively low level of development in South Asia and complex geography render the country vulnerable to climate change impacts and prone to natural hazards. During the monsoon season (June-September), Nepal receives 80% of the country's annual rainfall, resulting in widespread inundation in low-lying areas. Underlying flood risk drivers include (i) increasing frequency and intensity of precipitation events and flooding in the Terai region; (ii) unplanned population growth from the mountain and hill regions, drawn by productive agricultural and commercial land; (iii) inadequate and deteriorated flood protection infrastructure; and (iv) the inability of communities and local governments to anticipate for and quickly respond to flooding. With climate change, flooding events are expected to increase in intensity and frequency, and the associated increasing damage costs threaten the country's economic development. Disasters disproportionally affect the poor and marginalized because they occupy the most hazard-exposed areas, and this will undermine the country's progress toward poverty reduction.

The project will reduce social and economic losses from water induced disasters through blending structural and non-structural measures. It will protect agricultural land and households in priority areas from floods up to the 1-in-50-year return period by constructing flood embankments, spurs, and control structures. The project will also install flood forecasting and early warning systems and strengthen local communities capacity to improve flood prevention and preparedness through community-based disaster risk management.
Impact

Social and economic losses due to water-induced disasters reduced (Nepal National Water Plan 2002-2027).
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Resilience of communities to flood risks of selected river basins in the Terai region improved.
Progress Toward Outcome Construction of two flood control works in two river basins commenced in March 2022. Detailed engineering designs for three other river basins were completed and procurement is ongoing with contract awards targeted for December 2022. Development of flood forecasting and early warning system will be initiated in Q3 2022.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Flood protection infrastructure and maintenance system improved.

Flood forecasting and response systems enhanced

Flood prevention and preparedness capacity improved.
Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

FFEWS package procured

FFEWS package procured

FFEWS package procured

2 civil works packages procured; construction has started

2 civil works packages procured; construction has started

TA consultants currently preparing concept. Draft asset management system prepared.

6-7 trainings done

Too early to assess
Geographical Location Bakraha, Khutiya, Mawa Toribari, Mohana, Rapti Zone, Ratuwa
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects Initial environmental examination (IEEs) were prepared for the six river basins from feasibility studies (para. 23), although the East Rapti subproject involves only construction of flood shelters and development of FFEWS. The IEEs were prepared following the national environmental provisions and ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement. The IEEs include the environmental management plan (EMP), which identifies the potential environmental impacts and proposes mitigation measures, a monitoring plan, and overall safeguards implementation institutional arrangements. The EMP also requires occupational health and safety measures for project staff and nearby communities, including managing the spread of COVID-19. The IEEs will be disclosed on ADB's website based on the requirements of the Safeguard Policy Statement and ADB's Access to Information Policy.The project will not encroach upon national parks and buffer zones, protected or sensitive ecosystems, and ancient heritage sites. The project's key activities that attract environmental concerns are construction of embankments, flood shelters, FFEWS, and quarry operation. The environmental impacts predicted during implementation are mainly restricted to the construction stage and will be site specific, short in duration, reversible, and of low significance, such as temporary dust in the air, sediments in water, and noise pollution.The DHM and DWRI have adequate capacity to manage the potential impacts, and the PIC environmental specialist will provide additional training to DHM and DWRI. The PMU environmental officer will be responsible for addressing overall environmental concerns related to construction. The field offices will oversee the implementation of the IEEs' recommendations and the EMP, assisted by the PIC environmental specialist. All contractors will have an environmental specialist who will manage environmental impacts related to construction. The project's safeguards performance will be reported through quarterly progress reports and semiannual environmental compliance monitoring reports during construction, and annual monitoring reports during O&M. Consultation with stakeholders and affected people was carried out during project preparation and will continue during implementation. The project grievance redress mechanism will resolve complaints in a timely and systematic manner.
Involuntary Resettlement The social safeguards due diligence confirms that there is no physical or economic displacement because of involuntary land acquisition or involuntary restriction on land use under the project. Project infrastructure is estimated to require (i) about 50 ha of land for construction of embankments (with a width of up to 12 meters) across five river basins, (ii) 1.6 ha of land for construction of 48 community flood shelters (about 340 square meters per flood shelter) across six river basins, and (iii) 0.02 ha of land for the 30 rain gauge stations (about 5 square meters per station). The project will satisfy land use requirements through a combination of government land, negotiated settlement, and voluntary land contributions from direct project beneficiaries.
Indigenous Peoples Most project beneficiaries are from ethnically distinct and vulnerable groups. The consultation process identified multiple ethnic groups that are anticipated to benefit from the project activities; these groups include the Bote, Chepang, Gurung, Magar, Madheshi, Newar, Rai, Tamang and Tharus. Consultations confirm that project activities will not adversely affect the dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, culture, territory, natural, or cultural resources of indigenous peoples. As per Appendix 3, para. 17 of ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement, a separate indigenous peoples plan is not required, as indigenous peoples are the majority of direct project beneficiaries, and only positive impacts are identified. The project design has mainstreamed a culturally sensitive approach to information sharing, meaningful consultation, and benefit sharing.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design
During Project Implementation
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services Consulting services will be carried out in accordance with ADB's Procurement Policy: Goods, Works, Nonconsulting and Consulting Services (2017, as amended from time to time) and shall follow the Procurement Regulations for ADB Borrowers (2017, as amended from time to time).
Procurement Procurement activities will be carried out in accordance with ADB's Procurement Policy: Goods, Works, Nonconsulting and Consulting Services (2017, as amended from time to time) and shall follow the Procurement Regulations for ADB Borrowers (2017, as amended from time to time).
Responsible ADB Officer Singh, Deepak Bahadur
Responsible ADB Department South Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Nepal Resident Mission
Executing Agencies
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Babarmahal
Department of Water Resources and Irrigation formerly known as Department of Irrigation, Jawalakhel
Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation
Timetable
Concept Clearance 24 Jul 2019
Fact Finding 18 Nov 2019 to 29 Nov 2019
MRM 17 Jun 2020
Approval 28 Sep 2020
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 24 Oct 2022

Grant 0741-NEP

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2020 22 Dec 2020 08 Jan 2021 30 Sep 2027 - -
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 10.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 10.00 27 Apr 2023 5.56 0.00 56%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 27 Apr 2023 0.63 0.00 6%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Loan 3977-NEP

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2020 22 Dec 2020 08 Jan 2021 30 Sep 2027 - -
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 53.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 40.00 27 Apr 2023 20.18 0.00 50%
Counterpart 13.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 27 Apr 2023 2.88 0.00 7%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

TA 6568-NEP

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
28 Sep 2020 23 Oct 2020 23 Oct 2020 30 Sep 2023 - -
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
500,000.00 750,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,250,000.00 27 Apr 2023 563,627.92
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating - Satisfactory - - - Satisfactory

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Audited Project Financial Statements (8 January 2021-16 July 2022) Audited Project Financial Statements Mar 2023
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Mar 2023
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Audited Project Financial Statements (8 January 2021-16 July 2022) Audited Project Financial Statements Feb 2023
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Updated Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Oct 2022
Grant Agreement (Special Operations) for Grant 0741-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project Grant Agreement Dec 2020
Loan Agreement (Ordinary Operations [Concessional]) for Loan 3977-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project Loan Agreement (Ordinary Resources) Dec 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Action Plan Gender Action Plans Sep 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Report and Recommendation of the President Reports and Recommendations of the President Sep 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Project Administration Manual Project/Program Administration Manual Sep 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Technical Assistance Report Technical Assistance Reports Sep 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Initial Poverty and Social Analysis Initial Poverty and Social Analysis Jul 2019

Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July-December 2022) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jan 2023
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2022) Social Monitoring Reports Nov 2022
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January-June 2022) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jul 2022
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Social Monitoring Report (June–December 2021) Social Monitoring Reports Jul 2022
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Social Monitoring Report (January-June 2021) Social Monitoring Reports Feb 2022
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (July–December 2021) Environmental Monitoring Reports Jan 2022
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Environmental Monitoring Report (January–June 2021) Environmental Monitoring Reports Aug 2021
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Mohana–Khutiya River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Lakhandei River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Social Safeguards Due Diligence Report Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: West Rapti River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Mawa–Ratuwa River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Bakraha River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: East Rapti River Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2020

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.

Related Publications

None currently available.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Community Based Disaster Management Consultant Firm - Consulting Closed
Numerical Weather Prediction Modeling (NWPM) Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Hydro-meteorological Observation Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Flood Forecasting and Early Warning Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Numerical Weather Prediction Modeling (NWPM) Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
TA Consulting Firm for Flood Risk Management and Asset Management Support Firm - Consulting Closed
52195-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project [PRBFRMP/WORKS/MR-Basin/CW-02] Invitation for Bids Closed
52195-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project [PRBFRMP/WORKS/MK-Basin/CW-01] Invitation for Bids Closed
Project Implementation Consultant Firm - Consulting Closed
52195-NEP: Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project Advance Notice Active

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
CW-04: Flood Control Works at Lakhandei River Basin in Terai of Nepal Loan 3977 20 Dec 2022 Rasuwa Construction Pvt Ltd. | Dhapasi-8 (Tokha-7), Kathmandu, Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Babarmahal 1,243,497.85 1,032,446.27
CW-05: Flood Control Works at Bakraha River Basin in Terai of Nepal Loan 3977 20 Dec 2022 Kumar-Rautaha JV: Kumar Shrestha Nirman Sewa Pvt Ltd in JV with Rautaha Construction Pvt Ltd. | Triyuga Municipality - 02, Udayapur Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Babarmahal 2,836,672.98 2,355,221.16
CW-03: Flood Control Works at West Rapti River Basin in Terai of Nepal Loan 3977 20 Dec 2022 Kalika Construction Pvt. Ltd. | Baluwatar, Kathmandu-4, Kathmandu Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Babarmahal 8,847,566.84 7,345,921.35
Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System Grant 0741 02 May 2022 NARI Group Corporation | No 19 Chengxin Avenue Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Zone Nanjing City Ministry of Energy Water Resources and Irrigation 4,489,738.17 —
Flood Control Works in Mohana-Khutiya River Basin in Terai of Nepal Loan 3977 05 Aug 2021 TEAMS-Rajendra-Kumar JV | Dhangadhi-4, Kailali Department of Hydrology and Meteorology,Babarmahal 4,334,794.02 3,650,099.83
CW-01: FLOOD MANAGEMENT WORKS IN MAWA RATUWA RIVERBASIN Loan 3977 06 Jul 2021 HZMC-MAINACHULI-ROSHAN JV | SINAMANGAL KATHMANDU NEPAL Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation 5,913,316.11 5,913,316.11
CS-01: PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT Loan 3977 25 May 2021 PYUNGHWA ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS LTD | 601 T-TOWER BLDG, MUNHWA-RO NAJU-SI, JEOLLANAM-DO 58217 KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation 2,015,628.20 1,600,639.28
Capacity Development Technical Assistance 6568 04 May 2021 ICEM ASIA CONSULTING PTE. LTD (SINGAPORE) in association with GEOCE Consultants (P) Ltd. (NEPAL) | 60 PAYA LEBAR ROAD #11-01 PAYA LEBAR SQ 101 Cecil Street #11-04 Tong Eng Buildin Singapore Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation 926,759.00 —

Procurement Plan

Title Document Type Document Date
Priority River Basins Flood Risk Management Project: Procurement Plan Procurement Plans Mar 2023