iv.               During the preparatory stages, consultations have been carried out with various concerned government officials and local communities for Kashang stage 1 subproject as part of the social and resettlement study in order to gather their views on the proposed program. All the affected persons were also consulted on a one to one basis through questionnaire surveys for the first tranche subproject activities. Additionally, focused group discussions are also in progress at the project influence areas. FGDs were conducted at Pangi village and Reckong Peo during November 2007 where 30 people participated in the consultation and shared their views. Most of the people are aware about the proposed program and expressed their cooperation for the smooth implementation of the project. The consultation process will be continued during the entire project cycle.  

v.             The draft RP will be made available in relevant local government agencies in Kinnaur, and in PIU and PMU offices. RPs will be made available in local language. Finalized RPs will also be disclosed in ADB’s website; and information dissemination and consultation will continue throughout Investment Program implementation. Efficient Grievance redress mechanism will be developed to assist the APs resolve their queries and complaints. Grievances of APs will first be brought to the attention to the Project Management Unit (PIU) level. Grievances not redressed by the PIU staff (field level) will be brought to the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). The GRC will have representatives from APs, Project Management Unit (PMU), PIU, Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU), field level staff, district magistrate/commissioner, local administration, revenue authority and local community. If it is not redressed then it will be forwarded to appropriate court of law. 

vi.            The Department of Power, Government of Himachal Pradesh will function as the overall coordination body of the proposed MFF. The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPC) is the executing agency (EA) for the proposed HCEDIP. The HPC will also function as the implementing agency (IA) for HCEDIP which will have specific Project Management Unit (PMU). There will be different PIUs. Each of the component hydropower projects will be implemented independently through the PIUs. Keeping in view the capacity of HPC, it is proposed that an Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) will be set up within the PMU along with other engineering units to address environmental and social issues of the HCEIDP 

vii.           The resettlement cost estimate for this subproject includes eligible compensation, resettlement assistance and support cost for RP implementation. These are part of the overall project cost. The total land acquisition and resettlement cost for the Kashang Stage 1 subproject is estimated to be Rs. 67.25 million equivalents to USD 1.68 million.  

viii.             All land acquisition, resettlement, and compensation will be completed before the start of civil works All land required will be provided free of encumbrances to the contractor prior to handing over of sub-project sites and the start of civil works. The monitoring will be managed internally by the PMU. Internal monitoring will be the responsibility of the PMU/PIU/ESMU