Resettlement policy framework and specific resettlement action plan

2.2The alternatives considered to avoid or minimize resettlement and principles to be applied

In compliance with the WB policy OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement), all measures were being taken by the Feasibility Study Team in the development of the project activities to avoid impacts on residential areas and/or on immovable built assets. There will be no physical resettlement as a result of Project activities. Similarly, the temporary use of land will be minimized through screening of repair and rehabilitation options and continuous monitoring of economic displacement affects during the construction phase.

The Feasibility Study indicates that the subprojects will require a small amount of permanent land acquisition in the three project raions without displacement of household and existing village infrastructure; there may be some, but minimal, temporary occupation of land for the completion of the works. Because there is potential for adverse economic displacement impacts on people, a RPF and Specific RAP has been formulated in accordance with the WB policies on involuntary resettlement.

Several principles will guide Project implementation:

a. No new or rehabilitation works will be carried out that will cause physical displacement (resettlement); all such works will avoid adverse impacts on homes and infrastructure;

b. Permanent land take will be minimized through design arrangements;

c. Temporary adverse impacts on land will be minimized through careful implementation of construction/rehabilitation works; additional measures will be taken so as to inform the farmers so that damage on standing crops can be minimized;

d. Every effort will be made to limit construction and rehabilitation works to avoid dehkan farms inside or outside villages; should minor works cannot be avoided in dehkan farms outside the settlement areas, affected land and standing crops/trees will be compensated;

e. Compensation values for affected crops and trees will be determined by free market retail prices to leaseholders and to dehkan farmers;

f. Entitlements of affected farmers will be disclosed widely and in a transparent manner, involving, among others, the Water User Associations (WUA);

g. Farmers will be able to express their grievances and seek compensation; and

h. Implementation of RF policies outlined here will be monitored internally by PIU as well as through an Independent Panel of Experts, composed of three members.

i. Compensation will be fully provided to the affected parties before any construction and rehabilitation works may begin.