Guidelines for communication projects

The guidelines include general considerations and the aspect that need to be taken into account during site selection, construction and alignment of overhead lines along with some safety aspects. The guidelines lay particular emphasis on the fact that the new projects should be taken up in this sector only if the further upgradation of existing facility for higher capacities is not possible. The guidelines also outline the following areas that need to be avoided during route/site selection.

• Wetlands, marine bays, open expanses of water especially the ones used as flight lanes by migratory birds and water fowls etc.

• Habitats of endangered species and all other areas rich in biological diversity and gene pool reserves.

• Viable agricultural land, stream courses, lakes, ponds and timber lands.

• Steep or unstable slopes and other areas prone to land/mud slides, avalanche and rock falls etc.

For the location of communication project through forest land the following conditions have been laid down:

• The use of forest land required for the project will be governed by Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980.

• If routing of transmission lines through forest areas is unavoidable, the route should be aligned in such a way that it involves the least amount of tree cutting.

• The maximum width (m) of Right of Way for the transmission lines on forest land for varying kv lines is 7 m (11 kv), 15 m (33 kv), 180 m (66 kv), 22 m (111 kv), 27 m (132 kv), 35 m (220 kv) and 52 m (400 kv).

• Below each conductor, width clearance of 3 meters would be permitted for taking the tension stringing equipment. The trees on such strip would have to be felled but after the stringing work is over, the natural regeneration will be allowed to come up. One outer strip shall be left clear to permit maintenance of the transmission line.

• In the remaining width within the Right of Way of upto a maximum of 52 meters (for 400 kv lines), trees will be felled or lopped to the extent required for preventing electrical hazards. The minimum clearances in meters (m) that shall be maintained from the conductor is specified for different kv lines as 2.6 m (11 kv), 2.8 m (33 kv), 3.4 m (66 kv), 3.7 m (111 kv), 4 m (132 kv), 4.6 m (220 kv), 5.5 m (400 kv).

• Where the forest growth consists of coconut groves or similar tall trees, width of Right of Way greater then those indicated as above may be permitted in consultation with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).