Re: Environmental Impact Assessment of west Seti project

June 17, 2009

Kaoru Ogino
Senior Energy Specialist
South Asia Energy Division
Asian Development Bank

Dear Dr Kaoru Ogino

Thanks a lot for reverting back to me so promptly. I also thank you for patiently explaining to me why an EIA is undertaken. I am indeed familiar with this aspect of the "assessment."

However, the point that I am raising is: a study report as such will be reliable/credible only if it is conducted by an independent entity, which is not the case here. This could be resolved either by establishing that WSHL is an independent entity with respect to the study referred to here or by confirming that there is no need for an independent entity to conduct such a study.

With best regards,

Sincerely,
Ratna Sansar Shrestha, FCA
Senior Water Resource Analyst
http:www.ratnasansar.blogspot.com/
________________________________________
From: kogino@adb.org [mailto:kogino@adb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 16:01
To: rsansar@mos.com.np
Subject: Fw: Environmental Impact Assessment

Dear Mr. Shrestha,

This refers to your email note addressed to Mr. Senga on 15 June 2009.
Since I am responsible for the project, I would like to explain about the EIA.

Under ADB's operations, EIA reports are undertaken and reviewed to ensure that (i) all environmental impacts are properly addressed, (ii) potential problems are avoided and/or reduced with appropriate mitigation measures, and (iii) development initiatives and their benefits are sustainable.

These points need to be ensured by the project owners (i.e., any private or public entities) for project preparation and implementation which are their responsibility and accountability.
To ensure objectiveness of the assessment, any EIA reports are analyzed and reviewed by the relevant government environmental agency, and formal approval is provided only after ensuring full compliance with its applicable environmental laws, regulations and procedures. The ADB's role is to further ensure compliance with its Environment Policy independetly as well.

I hope this will be helpful.
I appreciate your kind support

Best regards,

Kaoru Ogino
Senior Energy Specialist
South Asia Energy Division
Asian Development Bank
Tel +63 2 632 6211