IND: Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism - Tranche 1

Transcription

1 Resettlement Planning Document Project Number: January 2016 IND: Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism - Tranche 1 Sub Project : Rehabilitation of Town Hall Submitted by Project Management Unit, Tourism Development Board, IDIPT-HP, Shimla This resettlement due diligence report has been prepared by the Project Management Unit, Tourism Development Board, IDIPT-HP, Shimla for the Asian Development Bank and is made publicly available in accordance with ADB s public communications policy (2011). It does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB. This resettlement due diligence report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. 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.

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3 INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT DUE DILIGENCE REPORT Document Stage: Due Diligence Report ADB Loan No 2676-IND, IDIPT-HP, Project 1 Package no- HPTDB/9/1 (B) Subproject Rehabilitation of Town Hall December 2015 Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT) - Himachal Pradesh Prepared by the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the Asian Development Bank The DDRis a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Page 0

4 ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian Development Bank IDIPT - Infrastructure Development Investment Programme for Tourism BPL DSC GRC PIU PMC PMU LAA MFF NGO OMC PAH SDS RP Below poverty line Design and Supervision Consultants Grievance Redress Committee Program Implementation Unit Program Management Consultants Project Management Unit Land Acquisition Act Multitranche financing facility Nongovernmental organization Operations and Maintenance Contractors Project affected household Social Development Specialist Resettlement Plan DDR - Due-Diligence Report GoI - Government of India GoHP - Government of Himachal Pradesh SO Safeguard Officer Page 1

5 Table of Contents I. Introduction... 1 A. Project Background... 1 B. Need of the Subproject C. Location of the project site... 3 D. Objective of the subproject... 4 E. Scope of this project... 4 F. Requirement of Due-Diligence Report... 7 G. Project Impact and Outcome... 7 II. Scope of Land Acquisition and Resettlement... 7 III. Indigenous Peoples... 7 IV. Gender Issues... 8 V. Public Consultations... 8 VI. Finding... 8 VII. Other Social Measures and Recommendations:... 8 VIII. Conclusions... 9 Annexures Annexure -1: NOC of Municipal Cooperation... 9 Annexure -2: Consultations with Stakeholders Annexure -3: Community Based Tourism Annexure -4: Screening Questions for Resettlement Categorization Annexure -5 : Indigenous Peoples Impact Checklist Annexure -6 : Office orders of GRC set-up at PMU level Annexure -6 (a) : Office orders of GRC set-up at PIU,Shimla level Annexure 7: Site Photographs: List of Figures : Figure 1: Map of Project Location... 3 Figure 2: Satellite image of Town Hall, Shimla... 3 Figure 3 Proposed layout of Ground floor, First Flor & Attic Floors... 5 Page 2

6 I. Introduction A. Project Background 1. The Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT) envisages an environmentally and culturally sustainable and socially inclusive tourism development, in the project states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. The expected impact of the Project in the four states is sustainable and inclusive tourism development in priority State tourism sub circuits divided into marketable cluster destinations that exhibit enhanced protection and management of key natural and cultural heritage tourism sites, improved market connectivity, enhanced destination and site environment and tourist support infrastructure, and enhanced capacities for sustainable destination and site development with extensive participation by the private sector and local communities. 2. Shimla is the Capital Town of Himachal Pradesh. It was formerly the summer capital during the British Rule. The town of Shimla is built over several hills and connecting ridges. The important hills are Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill (7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft). Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, Charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks. 3. Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations of India. Shimla is a famous holiday destination for the people who look for some leisurely days amongst the nature and at the same time would like to enjoy the place completely by visiting various places of interest especially the ones that are the testaments of glorious past and have been designed and created by the best people of that era. Shimla has many monuments and buildings that have been designed and constructed by the best architects during the British rule in India. One such buildingis the Town Hall in Shimla, housing the office of Shimla Municipal Corporation. 4. The Town Hall Shimla was constructed in thefirst decade of twentieth century during the British Rule in India. The British had made Shimla, the summer capital of the nation. During summers, Government officials used to come and stay in Shimla and lots of administrative jobs used to be done here at Shimla. To accomplish those jobs and to provide residences to the Government officials, several constructions were made. Shimla Municipal Board was formed in 1851 and during the summer months (when Shimla used to be the summer capital of British-Ruled India), different functions of the municipality i.e. roads, sanitation, water supply, drainage, tax collection were handled by Shimla Municipal Board. The foundation stone of the Town Hall was laid by the Shimla Municipal Board. 5. The Town Hall is situated on the Mall Road, the most important landmark of Shimla. The building has huge steps at its entrance. These steps are not only used by the visitors to sit and chat and have some moments of relaxation but the grand entrance of the building is the favorite place for the visitors for taking snaps. The present building of Town Hall Page 1

7 has different offices of Shimla Municipal Corporation running in it and. itwas basically desighned as part of Town Hall and house a library which couldbe visited while one is walking along the Mall Road towards the Ridge in the upper areas.. There have been renovations / addition alterations in this colonial structure but the originality of the structure has been kept to keep its historical association as it is. 6. The building was designed as the New Library & Offices in 1907 by Scottish Architect Mr James Ransome, Consulting Architect to Public Works Department. The building is a Composite load bearing structure comprising of stone walls with rolled steel beams and columns.structural framework a combination of steel and timber beams and purlins. Roof supported on timber trussed with a slateroofing in diminishing pattern. The building was desighned as Linear structure with large halls on either side of central hall, a central staircase connecting all floors. Designed in Tudor Revival or Mock Tudor Style, the building is characterized by its robust stone masonry large bay windows, pitched roofs, chimney stacks and Swiss-half timbering in the pediments.the building is made of dressed stone whereas entirely a different style is adopted to erect the upper floor. A wooden frame has been prepared using square cut long timber bars. Then the wooden planks are placed from corner to corner leaving space in between that is followed by filling the space with stone or bricks.further it is covered with clay plaster. The wooden frame remains exposed and is painted in black. The doors generally open inside and the windows remain exposed too reflecting on the entire structure. The rooftop is slanted to prevent the rain water to enter the building and is covered by slates. 7. Demographic profile of Shimla District:Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, lies between the longitude 77.00" and 78.19" east and latitude 30.45" and 31.44" north, having its headquarters situated at Shimla. The most commonly practiced religion in the district is Hinduism. Hindi and Pahari are the languages spoken here.tourism and Agriculture/Horticulture is the major source of income. 8. According to the 2011 census Shimla district has a population of 813,384. As of 2011 it is the third most populous district of Himachal Pradesh (out of 12), after Kangra and Mandi.The density of population is 141 per square Kilometer. It is also most urbanized district of Himachal Pradesh.Average literacy rate of Shimla in 2011 were Male Literacy stands at approximately 88 percent and Female Literacy at a somewhat lower 71 percent.with regards to Sex Ratio in Shimla, it stood at 915 per Male B. Need of the Subproject 9. Most of the heritage properties in Shimla are in a state of neglect due to lack of appropriate framework, funds and incentives for restoration and conservation. 10. The Municipal Corporation building of Shimla comprises municipal offices facing the Mall Road is in service from the time of the British regime. Over the years, the State Government has renovated the colonial architectural marvel.however, over the past few decades the pressures of need of work spaces have led to internal modifications leading to extensive deterioration in building from its original historic fabric. The offices and have not been maintained properly. Also, in the absence of any regulatory mechanism, a lot of incongruous interventions of extremely low architectural values have been introduced.these structures need immediate attention for comprehensive and careful repairs and restoration Page 2

8 11. Tourism has a pivotal role to play in reinstating the image of Shimla for the local, national and international tourists. Conservation of historic buildings has an important role to play in attracting visitors and inward investment, encouraging new business as well as job creation. Restoration and reuse of the historic building is to ensure considerable conservation benefit to the building and is intended to provide a sustainable future to the building. C. Location of the project site 12. The Town Hall is situated on the Mall Road, the most important landmark of Shimla. It can be reached very easily from any part of Shimla. No vehicles are allowed on this road so people have to come walking to this place and it is a wonderful journey. To come to the city from Shimla Railway Station and the Airport, there are conveyances like buses, government as well as private ones. Taxis can also be taken on rent to reach to the city. The nearest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station, connected to the Kalka Railway Station by narrow gauge. From Kalka, several express, mail, super-fast trains run to various other cities and town of India.The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti Airport, only 23 km away from the city center. Regular domestic flights are available from this airport to major cities of India. Index Map of project location is shown in figure 1. Figure 1: Map of Project Location Figure 2: Satellite image of Town Hall, Shimla Page 3

9 D. Objective of the subproject 13. The main objective of this IDIPT-HP project is: (i) Enhancing the protection of the site s socio-cultural values. (ii) More effectively link tourism with local economy and livelihood opportunities provided by the site; (iii) Improving the quality of basic and tourist facilities and visitor services; and (iv) Creating additional attractions through restoration and conservation of heritage buildings and gardens. 14. The intended objectives of Rehabilitation of Town Hall, is to enhance Shimla as an attractive destination for cultural tourism and to Restore and conserve Heritage building of Town Hall (Earlier called New Library & Offices and being part of Town Hall); E. Scope of this project 15. The scope of works are: (i) Cleaning, pointing and repair of stone masonry, (ii) Lime mortar work to be redone, (iii) Repainting in Lime, (iv) Restoration of ceilings, (v) Restoration of roof / New slate tiles to be laid as per original design. (vi) Repair of slating, overhauling all pitches and lead work to be renewed. introduce bitumen felt as a second layer of protection in the roof, (vii) Treatment for water seepage, (viii) Removal of all recent interventions in form of wooden partitions & wall paneling so as to determine the exact condition of walls, (ix) Flooring in timber has to be revised as per design. (x) Original flooring to be recovered to make further conservative measures, (xi) Repair/replacement of doors as per original design, (xii) Repair/replacement of window frames and shutters as per original design, (xiii) Addition of windows to be removed, Edges of opening and arches to be repaired, (xiv) Stone cornice bands should be cleaned and restored at places of damage, (xv) Loose plaster to be restored, (xvi) Repair and refitting of all timber boarding in attic, (xvii) Chimney Repairs,Repair of timber purlins and rafters, (xviii) Rooms to be restored including repairing original timber paneling, dhajji walls, (xix) Fireplaces and redecorating to original paint scheme. 16. This sub- project is also linked to another sub project i.e. Community Based Tourism (CBT) which seeks to promote Community Based Tourism (CBT) and activities for generating livelihood for local communities around the area shall be undertaken. The details are attached in Annexure 3. These activities would include: (i) (ii) Promotion of home stays in the town and surrounding areas by highlighting their specialties. SHGs in the area are engaged in production of woolen shawls and sweaters, amla, mango and galgal pickles, paneer, khoa production, clay pots etc. Motivated SHGs Page 4

10 in areas surrounding the sub project areas shall be identified and their capacity would be developed for further expansion and diversification. (iii) Facilitating marketing linkage of products produced by SHGs with local and outside buyers. (iv) Connecting the SHGs with the homestays around the town for sale of their products. (v) Wide Publicity of fairs held in the towns and facilitating the participation of SHGs in these fairs. (vi) Organize and promotion of Craft Melas, Woolen Craft Melas and exhibitions.. (vii) Exposure visit of identified SHGs to successful SHGs in other areas. (viii) Facilitate marketing of SHG products in mobile vans along the heritage walk route. (ix) Soft skill and hospitality training for homestay operators, taxi drivers, tour operators, service providers in restaurants and hotels in the area. (x) Identified guides would be trained on cultural interpretation and would be included in the Heritage Walks. They would be made available at appropriate place and time for tourists to contact. Women shall be motivated to take up the profile of tourist guides for conducting the heritage walks. (xi) Cultural Orientation would be undertaken for Tourism Officers along with Tour Operators, Photographers etc. 17. Sub-project layout is shown in the Figure 1 & Figure 2 Figure 3: Proposed layout of Ground floor, First Flor & Attic Floors Figure 3(a): Proposed Ground Floor Plan Page 5

11 Figure 3(b): Proposed First Floor Plan Figure 3(c): Proposed Attic Floor Plan Page 6

12 F. Requirement of Due-Diligence Report 18. There is no land acquisition requirement; hence no resettlement impacts, in this subproject As there is no involuntary resettlement involved in this sub-project and the preparation of RP for this sub-project is not required, The objective of this Due diligence report (DDR) is to review the Subproject Land acquisition and Resettlement (LAR) impacts, if any, based on the detailed design and propose mitigation measures, if necessary in accordance with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June, 2009). 19. In accordance with Safeguard Policy Statement requirements, the project is defined as C category for involuntary resettlement impact (limited impacts).the preliminary design and later on the detailed design of this subproject showed that the rehabilitation and construction would be conducted on property owned by the Government. 20. Prior to detailed design, the cadastral maps were examined to understand the ownership of land. Verification of the cadastral maps was done also in the field, based on the survey and measurement. After the exercise, impact on the legally/ illegally used lands/structures was avoided in the detailed design. G. Project Impact and Outcome 21. Therestoration and rehabilitation ofthis sub-project shall lead to better visitor attraction and experience at the Gateway centre to the circuit, it is envisaged that these improvements shall contribute to the overall economic benefits to the circuit as a whole. II. Scope of Land Acquisition and Resettlement 22. The subproject will not entail any permanent land acquisition and resettlement. Under this package, only rehabilitation works are proposed. All the renovation and repairing works will be executed or carried out in the existing building. Shimla Municipal Corporation has already vacated this building for renovation works.noc has been taken from Municipal Cooperation (See annexure 1). Mitigation plan was also made and instruction has been given to the contractor for barricading the site and strictly prohibited for entry of tourist during entire working time. III. Extent of Impact 23. The project will have a positive impact as it will help to regain the heritage character of the town not only to the locals but also to the tourists. Improvisation and promotion of the area through this project will not only enhance the tourist experience but will also increase the stay duration alongwith the improvement of income to the locals. 24. Now, the more-than-a-century-old building is set to regain its old glory after being restored to its original shape. Some minor internal modifications will be made by constructing wooded partition to optimize usage since this is a live building. The additional loads on building and various Mezzanine floors will be removed from building relievingbuilding of additional stress and hence increasing life of building. IV. Indigenous Peoples 25. There will be no impact on Indigenous peoples (IPs). This is categorized as C for Indigenous Peoples. No Indigenous peoples Plan will be needed for this sub-project. The Page 7

13 sub project area does not have any tribal population and thus there is no impact on their lives/livelihood.indigenous Peoples Impact Categorization checklist is attached in Annexure 5. V. Gender Issues 26. The project will not have any adverse impact on status of women.however positive impact is envisaged by ensuring employment during execution of work.provision of Health and Safety,Sanitary Facility, Personal Protective Equipment will be provided for them.time to time Health and Safety Trainings are being organized to make them aware about the PPE.Under this package, provision has been made for construction of separate toilets for women.an additional sub-project,the Community based Tourism component is focusing on skillupgradation/empowerment/income generation of women.special care is being taken that the benefits are made available to women who are more vulnerable. The activities of this project aim at addressing the gender needs and ensure gender equity. VI. Public Consultations 27. The DDR was prepared in consultation with the stakeholders. Meetings and individual interviews were held by involving all stakeholders. Consultations have been made with the District Administration, Department of Tourism, public representatives shop owners andtourists on project orientation, issues pertaining to conservation and rehabilitation of Town Hall, improvement of tourist infrastructure within the vicinity of Mall road. Public consultation with primary and secondary stakeholders has been conducted to understand the local issues and public views including possible impact of the project. The issues like, awareness and extent of the project and development components, benefits of project for the tourists as well as commercial interest, labor availability in the project area or requirement of outside labor involvement, local disturbances due to project construction work, water logging and drainage problem if any, drinking water problem, forest and sensitive area nearby the project site etc. Summary of consultation are attached in Annexure 2. VII. Finding 28. In this Sub-Project intervention, full or partial, permanent or temporary, physical and economic displacements are conspicuously absent. There are no Project Affected Persons; no land or structure is to be acquired, no common property resources are affected. Even no negative impact on livelihood either temporary or permanent is likely to occur. 29. Thus this subproject has been categorized as C for Involuntary Resettlement (IR) impact as per the ADB s Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 (SPS).IR checklist is attached in Annexure 4. VIII. Other Social Measures and Recommendations 30. All the works are beingundertaken on the Existing campus, which is the property of Municipal Corporation Shimla so there will be no need to acquire land, and thus there will be no impacts on the asset or landowners or tenants etc. As far as health and safety issues is Page 8

14 concerned, the contractor shall adhere to the following code of conduct while undertaking construction activities: i. Provision of adequate health and safety measures such as water, food, sanitation, personal protective equipment, workers insurance and medical facilities. Local labors and female workers would be encouraged to work, so their income can be enhanced. ii. Regularly remove trash from the site on scheduled clean-up days; iii. Entire area is declared as plastic free, smoking free and silence zone and sign boards for the purpose should be displayed at work site. IX. Conclusions 31. It is concluded from this due diligence study that: there willbe no issues of land acquisition and resettlement related to these subprojects. All the works will be executed in the existing facilities which are the property of MC. 32. Subproject will not cause any permanent and/or temporary impacts, as the operation and maintenance activities will be conducted by Municipal Corporation Shimla. 33. In case any claims or complaints are to be submitted during the construction period, an effective and efficient Grievance Redress Mechanism will enhance provision of timely and judicious hearings and facilitate solutions. Grievance Redressal Committee is in place and the office orders are attached in Annexure During the construction phase IDIPT-HP will monitor the construction works in terms of any temporary/permanent impact, such as limitation of access to businesses or other livelihood resources etc. Any impact identified during construction works to be compensated based on the Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework provisions. Page 9

15 Annexure -1: NOC of Municipal Cooperation Page 10

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17 Annexure -2: Consultations with Stakeholders Consultations were held Shopkeepers and Business Bodies, Vendors, Photographers/ Guides, Resident Community, Tourists/ Visitors, Municipal Councillors/ officials, Civil Society/ NGOs. A. Stakeholders Consultation at Town Hall, Shimla The participants in consultative meeting were from Business bodies, councilors and municipal officials apart from facilitators from the project. As Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) is a major stakeholder in this subproject and owns most of the areas on which this subproject (at least the focus stretch of it) is to be implemented, the municipal officials were happy that its design was being worked out in regular consultation with the Corporation. This was more so because SMC itself has many proposals for solar street lighting, putting escalators at places, making toilets and so on the same stretch as under this subproject. So, it will be only through meetings and consultations that duplication of services would be avoided at the planning stage itself. The SMC officials were of the view that they could provide help in restoration of original pyaoos (drinking water outlets) to give it original look at least at some places as they had its outer parts still kept at their stores. The SMC officials informed that present railing and signage on mall road were created by differe state agencies. If any uniformity is to b maintained all such agencies have to be taken o board before finalizing the design. The lady councilor had the suggestion that all toilet complexes should be children and physically challenged friendly. Similarly, signs should be clear for women side of toilets and they should be amply protected from common site. Representatives of Business Community were quite vocal and were happy to know about the idea of restoration of Mall. It was for the first time that they were being informed and consulted. They had following suggestions: Drains in front of market or shops should have uniform pattern and theyshould not be covered. They mentioned about original drains of Shimla andoffered to show them to design teams before taking any decision on it. They felt that drains were very important component in the process of restoration. It was felt by them that Lower Mall (also called Lower Bazaar) was also needed to be considered in this restoration process. If it cannot be taken up during this phase, at least attempt should be made to link the Mall properly with lower bazaar in this existing sub project design. Page 12

18 There are 15 old lanes which link the Mall with the lower bazaar. While restoring the Mall, all 15 lanes should be marked and clear signage should beput at the points where each of them open on the Mall. The councilor seconded this idea as she pointed out that in the absence of signage, commuters sometimes get confused as to which lane to take while going down to lower bazaar. The area around the Lift on the Mall is a major connection with the Lower Bazaar. So, it should be spacious and entry towards lower bazaar should bemarked. The vendors using the existing space should be organised in a way that it provided proper space for visitors. Escalators were most welcome as they would help not only to the business community but to locals as well as tourists. It would be a medium to link lower bazaar to the Mall. It was suggested that escalators should be both way so that it could be used both for coming up and going down. Pedestrian way should also be created along the side of escalators. Escalators are most required at places like Jain Dharamshala, Khadi Bhandar and Sunder Pansar. Works should be beautified keeping in view that proper lights are placed. Thespace around swings should be floored with such materials which are soft and do not hurt chil dren. Shopkeepers and vendors would not be affected financially if the construction work is undertaken for shorter duration of less than two days ata place. In fact, they will be supportive. B. Consultation with photographers on Mall Road Consultation took place with 9 photographers who work around Mall, particularly on the Ridge. Some of them were there for last 20 years or so. Some of them were office bearers of Photographers Union. They were represented by their chairman, Mr. Tara Datt Sharma, general secretary, Mr. R.S. Thakur and other members of the union (see Annexure 2B for attendance).so, the views expressed by them can be very useful, particularly for the area stretching from Scandal Point to the Ridge. The views expressed at this consultation were as follows: Some of the older photographers expressed that they had seen the same Mall yearsand years together. So, with changing times, it needs changes here and there. Theidea of restoration was welcomed. Restoration of Daulat Singh Park on the Ridge was of much interest to them. Almost everyone talked about it as it was of photographic interest to them. They wanted thefollowing to be done in this park: Beautification of the Park Murals on the wall of the Park Lighting in the Park Timing of the Park to be extended up to 8 PM in the evening Musical Fountains and some photogenic statues should be placed at appropriateplace on the Ridge to engage tourists there. Existing fountains should be brought toworking condition. Condition of existing toilet at Padmadev Complex, phase 2, at Ridge is not so good that tourist can prefer to use it. It should be renovated with modern amenities and tiling. Page 13

19 Rain shelter existing on the Ridge is currently being used for all other purposes than for what it was made. There is no place for photographers and tourists to take shelter during heavy rains and snow fall. C. Consultation with imminent citizens on Mall Road This group meeting was interesting as all were basically entrepreneurs with business interests on the Mall. And all of them had international exposures both as tourists as well as business persons. So, naturally, the perspective was wide and they all had their own ideas as to how a new Mall Road should look even keeping its past intact. They were interested to meet those architects who have designed and proposed new elements on the Mall under the sub project and present their own ideas. The facilitators (Eco-tourism Expert and Community Development Expert) tried to keep the discussion within the given scope and budget of the sub-project. The views expressed at this consultation were as follows: All persons were of the view that restoration of the Mall is due for long. It should be taken up as early as possible as time has changed and tourists require better services. They suggested installing interactive screens at places depicting history of the placeor the state if found appropriate. It rains more than 100 days in Shimla. So, the Mall should be prepared to accommodate the needs of tourists during those days. Tourists sometimes take shelter in the shops and at times shopkeepers do not take it easy when their shops are flooded with tourists taking shelter in them. There should be First Aid boxes with signages about their availability. During rains, snows and even in normal days, tourists get slipped on road at times. Availability of such boxes will show the concern of town towards tourists. Condition of existing toilets was not up to desired standards of present day tourists.so, attention has to be given to this aspect. Women tourists and local commuters wear such shoes nowadays that they may slipif such materials are used on the road which is slippery. The Mall does not have much to retain tourists in the evenings. So, it would be better to think something big. Possibilities should be explored to introduce something like Clarke Quay, prevalent in cities like Singapore, in place of simple fountains. Sustaining fountains is a big issue. So, mechanisms of rain harvesting should be placed at appropriate places. Page 14

20 Railings on roads should use cast iron. Roads should have no red Kota, no stones and no granites as they are either slippery or lose their edges soon. They should be just cemented with granules. In the space from Ladies Park to further, there is space which can be utilised to build something like Geodesic structures, which are popular in European countries. The participants were eager to make presentation to DOT and its architects as to how it will transform the Mall and would be self sustaining, even though it will be little costly in the beginning. It can be built keeping the original foliage remain as it is and a minihimachal can be created within it. Dust bins should be designed as per beauty and heritage of the Mall. The retaining walls seem to be properly designed in the proposed works. Escalators, here again, were welcome idea. There is need for more but it can be tested at three places as originally proposed. It can go a long way in connecting 5 levels of old Shimla. Escalators would need operators and it can be chargeable to the users for maintenance. Lift and the area around it should get face lifted. Tulip Gardens, on the lines of Kashmir, can be an option for Parks. Entry into it canbe chargeable for maintenance. Architectural monotony should be broken in proposed design in different pockets ofthe mall road. For fountains or musical waterfall, maintenance will be problematic. So, there shouldbe specific timings for their operation. Possibility to place centralised music system on mall should be considered on thelines of Gangtok. An existing Amphitheatre like structure on the Ridge is lying unutilised. This can beeasily converted into a fountain. Rani Jhansi Park is not conducive for children in its present condition. More so, itremains closed on holidays when it has to be utilised the most. An area can be cordoned off as open space for food with music by the tourismdepartment. A renovated and beautified Mall should remain open for some more time in the evenings so that tourists can spend quality time in Shimla for some longer duration. D. Consultation with Vendors on the Mall There are prominently two kinds of vendors on the Mall. The first are those who provide cycle careers for children to be used by the tourists and wheel chairs for old age tourists on demand. The others are fruit sellers and chat sellers. Though most of them are located near the Lift, some of them sell their things at different other locations also. Interestingly, childcareer vendors come from a particular region of Himachal Pradesh itself and have been in this business for over 20 years, other kinds of vendors, particularly the fruit vendors are mostly from Uttarakhand. The child career vendors consider themselves superior to fruit/chat Page 15

21 vendors as they possess authorization from the Municipal Corporation to conduct their business while fruit/chat vendors have no such authorisation. What came out from the consultation with the vendors can be summarised as under: A rain shelter should be built near the Lift so that they can use it during rains. At present, they do not have any such place to save themselves during the rains. The child careers have no specified place to keep their cycles/wheel chair after their business time is over. They just keep their equipments tied here and there. It would be useful, if some space or structure can be provided for them to keep their equipments safely. Whenever there has been construction of some kind on the roads and drains in the past, they have not suffered financially as they shift a little for actual site of construction. If it happens again, they would not be affected. Restoration of Mall was a welcome idea as it may attract more tourists for a longer duration of time. So, there was possibility for a little better business. E. Consultation with Civil Society/ NGOs Representatives Extensive consultation was made from the representative of civil society who were working actively in the town of Shimla. One was Mrs. ShaliniKhimta who works with visually challenged and advocates for child and women rights. Another was the State Coordinator of Help Age India, Dr. Rajesh kumar, who works for old age people. The views from them can be summarized as under: The Mall Road should be wheel hair friendly all along the lift. Tactile tiles should be used on sides of the road all along the mall from lift to Devicos so that visually challenged persons can walk without much difficulty. E-Toilets should be constructed. Wherever possible, toilets should have connectivity with wheel chairs. Fountains can sustain only when they can be fuelled by rainwater harvesting. There should be controlled environment in the parks so that children and womencan access them without fear. Escalators are a must on the Mall. One should connect the Ridge to the Mall. Landscaping of present gardens is must. Texas Bercato and medicinal herbs should be planted. Page 16

22 Drainage should be planned according to volume of water generated during maximum rains. Toilets should be so designed that they are safe for women and children. F. Consultation with Tourists The outcome of these consultations can be put as under: Most of the tourists were first timers to the Mall and were attracted towards it as it is. Idea of restoration was not of much concern to them but they felt that there was always a possibility for the better. Some of them felt that they needed prior information on the Mall when they started from the Lift. But there was no tourist information centre around that or there was no indicator where the information centre was actually located. They managed to get one at Scandal Point, finally. They were not aware whether any park or Rani Laxmi bai Park existed on the Mall. They felt, a well organised park would be an added attraction for the tourists. Lack of toilets or lack of quality toilets was a concern raised my most of the tourists. Page 17

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24 A. Introduction : Annexure -3: Community Based Tourism Community Based Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry. With factors like improved accessibility, increasing disposable incomes, congestion of popular tourist destinations and growth of domestic market of tourism the travelers are continuously looking for off-beat destinations which offer authentic visitor interpretation experiences. Hence, there is a huge demand for new destinations which offer unique cultural, social and environmental resources. Infrastructure facility creation is an important aspect of tourism development. It is however, incomplete without active local community. Moreover, in the absence of active community participation, the economic benefits of development cannot reach the local people. Assets & resources created through the projects will enhance tourism in the area only through creation of ownership and pride amongst the local communities towards sustainability of tourism as a whole. Interactions in the field have revealed the existence of such community based organizations (CBOs) which can be motivated and linked to the projects. The local communities in the proposed project areas are endowed with resources, the willingness to contribute and understanding of the benefits they can reap through the process of tourism development. However, the same needs to be channelized through awareness generation, capacity building, product development and marketing which are the main initiatives of the proposed sub project. In the value-chain of tourism around the intervention areas youth groups, cultural groups, women self-help-groups, local entrepreneurs need to be engaged and skill building inputs need to be provided to them. The goods and services provided by these CBOs will cater to the increased demand arising from augmented tourism activities. In addition to the positive energies of enhanced tourism, the local communities also need to be made aware of negative impacts of tourism in order to make it sustainable. The activities of this project aim at addressing the gender needs and ensure gender equity. This component of the project shall give outmost importance to this aspect by prioritizing strategic gender needs through capacity development of women based community groups. For inclusive development it is also important to ensure that the livelihood opportunities reach the poor, marginalized as well as disadvantaged communities. To achieve this and other social objectives, it is desirable to invite local communities, service providers like Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), local selfgovernance institutions (Panchayats & Urban Local Bodies) to participate through various phases of project implementation. B. Reasons for demand-supply gap? Infrastructure creation is usually seen as the key for addressing the development needs for any sector including tourism. Attention is hardly paid to ensure community participation in the planning or management of this infrastructure leading to unsustainable development. Addressing development through community participation, gender equity, capacity building, stakeholders analysis, institution building, civil society and NGO engagement and many other socially oriented processes are relatively recent phenomena. Examples of such initiatives are far and few between and well documented success stories are rarely available. Another important reason behind demand-supply gap is lack of relevant rules and regulations. Moreover even if the policies and Acts exist, rules for implementation have not been framed. There is a lack of institutions and related mechanisms to inculcate participatory Page 19

25 processes at the grassroots level. There is a lack of proper marketing avenues for the local tourism products to be presented to the potential buyers. Inadequate marketing and promotion channels for showcasing the rich cultural heritage. The lack of timely coordination between various departments affecting tourism also creates hindrances in bridging the gaps. Lack of awareness, skills, capacities among communities and other relevant stakeholders creates a gap in meeting the demand for trained personnel in rural tourism. These obstacles also act as a hindrance in meeting the products and service needs of tourist. As a result the tourist has limited experience leading to shorter stay and repeat value. Benefits of tourism development go to individuals who are entrepreneurs in their capacity and the local community at large is unable to reap the benefits. Individual initiatives generally lead to unsustainable use of resources and put pressure on environment and ecology of the area. C. Action being taken by government to address the gap? The Government has taken many steps to institutionalize community participation and to develop community-based tourism with gender equity in the state which has impacts on this Sub-Project. The state has a progressive Act called The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002, which has provisions for Tourism Development Board at destination level and Tourism Development Councils further below. The framework exists for participation of elected representatives and civil society organizations at districts and below. In 2013, the State government introduced a Sustainable Tourism Development Policy which primarily benefits host communities and supports natural and cultural preservation. The Policy clearly spells out strategies to ensure that the visitors get high quality experience and the local communities build their capacities to integrate tourism resource management skills and improve their livelihood. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation (DoTCA) has developed a Long Term Master Plan for Tourism of Himachal Pradesh which is comprehensive in the sense that it includes community participation component in overall perspective. Government has taken many proactive steps to reach to the communities, make them participate in mainstream tourism through its programs like Har Gaon Ki Kahani Home Stay Program and Har Ghar Kuchh Kahta Hai. All these schemes have come up with involvement of local self-government institutions and skill building of local house owners, youth and women. Himachal Pradesh is one of the pioneer states in the country to come up with a comprehensive community based eco tourism policy. It has already established an awarded model in community based tourism in the Spiti Valley which has been actively supported by the State Government. In addition, IDIPT-HP has adopted a combined strategy of infrastructure development with community participation. Under Tranche 1, a complete package on Community Based Tourism is being implemented through organizations in 6 clusters spread throughout the State. These NGOs will work at the grassroots level by mobilizing and creating CBOs such as Tourism Development Societies and Self Help Groups with the active involvement of existing CBOs and Gram Panchayats for effective tourism management in the project areas. Page 20

26 D. Objective of the subproject i. To provide opportunities to local communities especially women to participate in management of tourism in their vicinity through organized group formation targeted specifically towards community based tourism activities. ii. To build the capacity of communities especially that of women in tourism-related economic and livelihoods activities through specialized trainings, exposure visits and trial packages. iii. To ensure ample marketing linkages for smooth operation of tourism products. iv. To ensure standardization of quality tourism products which are sustainable and lead to enhanced visitor experiences. E. Subproject Component This project of community based tourism shall integrate the following 6 components to ensure the achievement of specified objectives:- 1. Mass awareness generation amongst communities, other stakeholders on project activities, rationale, potential of tourism in their areas and their roles. 2. Formation & capacity development of Community-based societies, institutions and groups that will manage the tourism activities in their respective areas. 3. Training on heritage and nature based tourism management, development of heritage walks and tourism related skills for community. 4. Establishing linkages (including marketing linkages) of local communities with tourism related livelihoods and income generation activities. 5. Creation of supportive infrastructure for community-based tourism. 6. Regulation in place for fostering community based tourism products including home stay arrangements. Activities proposed under Community Based Tourism S. No Result Areas / Component Nature of Activities 1 Mass awareness generation amongst Awareness campaigns using street communities and other stakeholders on plays project activities, rationale, potential of Entry level workshops tourism in their areas and their roles. IEC material School competitions 2 Formation and capacity development of Community-based societies, institutions and Identification and strengthening of SHGs. groups that will manage the tourism Formation of Panchayat activities in their respective areas. Committee/Tourism Societies Capacity development of CBOs including solid waste management, sanitation 3 Training on heritage management and tourism related skills for community. Training of youth, women, homestay owners, drivers, farmers and other stakeholders Exposure visits of SHG groups and entrepreneurs. 4 Establishing linkages (including marketing Marketing Research and value chain Page 21

27 linkages) of local communities with tourism related livelihoods and income generation activities. 5 Creation of supportive infrastructure for community-based tourism. 6 Regulation in place for fostering community based tourism products including home stay arrangements and traditional culture and crafts. analysis. Creation of marketing hubs IEC materials for tourists Credit linkages Planning and construction of display centers, storehouses, community halls etc Consultation workshops Office Orders Documentation F. Risks and assumption When awareness is built among communities, particularly about the opportunities available in tourism for communities, it generates lots of expectations among them. Delays in implementation and lack of timely coordination from related departments (dealing with livelihoods, small businesses etc.) will lead to dissatisfaction and loss of interest and goodwill amongst community. Page 22

28 Annexure -4: Screening Questions for Resettlement Categorization Probable Effects Involuntary Resettlement Involuntary Acquisition of Land Yes No Not Known Remarks 1. Will there be land acquisition? No land acquisition involved in this sub-project. Only improvement to the existing facilities proposed, which is property of Municipal Corporation. NoC from has been MC obtained. Attached in Annexure1. 2. Is the site for land acquisition known? 3. Is the ownership status and current usage of land to be acquired known? 4. Will easement be utilized within an existing Right of Way (ROW)? 5. Will there be loss of shelter and residential land due to land acquisition? 6. Will there be loss of agricultural and other productive assets due to land acquisition? 7. Will there be losses of crops, trees, and fixed assets due to land acquisition? 8. Will there be loss of businesses or enterprises due to land acquisition? 9. Will there be loss of income sources and means of livelihoods due to land acquisition?. Involuntary restrictions on land use or on access to legally designated parks & protected areas 10. Will people lose access to natural resources, communal facilities and services? 11. If land use is changed, will it have an adverse impact on social and economic activities? 12. Will access to land and resources owned communally or by the state be restricted? Information on Displaced Persons: Not Applicable and there is no displaced person at these sites. Any estimate of the likely number of persons that will be displaced by the Project? [] No [ ] Yes If yes, approximately how many? Are any of them poor, female-heads of households, or vulnerable to poverty risks? [] No [ ] Yes Are any displaced persons from indigenous or ethnic minority groups? [] No [ ] Yes Page 23

29 Annexure -5: Indigenous Peoples Impact Checklist KEY CONCERNS (Please provide elaborations on the Remarks column) YES NO NOT KNOWN Remarks A. Indigenous Peoples Identification 1. Are there socio-cultural groups present in or use the project area who may be considered as "tribes" (hill tribes, schedules tribes, tribal peoples), "minorities" (ethnic or national minorities), or "indigenous communities" in the project area? 2. Are there national or local laws or policies as well as anthropological researches/studies that consider these groups present in or using the project area as belonging to "ethnic minorities", scheduled tribes, tribal peoples, national minorities, or cultural communities? 3. Do such groups self-identify as being part of a distinct social and cultural group? 4. Do such groups maintain collective attachments to distinct habitats or ancestral territories and/or to the natural resources in these habitats and territories? 5. Do such groups maintain cultural, economic, social, and political institutions distinct from the dominant society and culture? 6. Do such groups speak a distinct language or dialect? 7. Has such groups been historically, socially and economically marginalized, disempowered, excluded, and/or discriminated against? 8. Are such groups represented as "Indigenous Peoples" or as "ethnic minorities" or "scheduled tribes" or "tribal populations" in any formal decisionmaking bodies at the national or local levels? B. Identification of Potential Impacts 9. Will the project directly or indirectly benefit or target Indigenous Peoples? 10. Will the project directly or indirectly affect Indigenous Peoples' traditional socio-cultural and belief practices? (e.g. child-rearing, health, education, arts, and governance) 11. Will the project affect the livelihood systems of Indigenous Peoples? (e.g., food production system, natural resource management, crafts and trade, employment status) Page 24

30 KEY CONCERNS (Please provide elaborations on the Remarks column) 12. Will the project be in an area (land or territory) occupied, owned, or used by Indigenous Peoples, and/or claimed as ancestral domain? C. Identification of Special Requirements Will the project activities include: 13. Commercial development of the cultural resources and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples? 14. Physical displacement from traditional or customary lands? 15. Commercial development of natural resources (such as minerals, hydrocarbons, forests, water, hunting or fishing grounds) within customary lands under use that would impact the livelihoods or the cultural, ceremonial, spiritual uses that define the identity and community of Indigenous Peoples? 16. Establishing legal recognition of rights to lands and territories that are traditionally owned or customarily used, occupied or claimed by indigenous peoples? 17. Acquisition of lands that are traditionally owned or customarily used, occupied or claimed by indigenous peoples? YES NO NOT KNOWN Remarks C. Anticipated project impacts on indigenous peoples Project activity and Anticipated positive effect output Anticipated negative effect Page 25

31 Annexure -6: Office orders of GRC set-up at PMU level. Page 26

32 Annexure -6 (a) : Office orders of GRC set-up at PIU,Shimla level. Page 27

33 Annexure 7: Site Photographs: Page 28