Water resources and hydrogeology
Baseline assessment of water resources and hydrogeological conditions within the project’s area of influence.
Hydropower ESIA & Multidisciplinary Baseline Studies
Baghdara Hydropower Project — Environmental and Social Assessment
Feasibility-stage ESIA for MJAM’s Baghdara Hydropower Project in Parwan and Kapisa, combining environmental and social baselines, laboratory analysis, climate and disaster-risk assessment, and practical safeguards planning.
Project Overview
Evidence for responsible hydropower development
Daira Sabz Consulting & Engineering Group led the environmental and social impact assessment for the proposed Baghdara Hydropower Project as part of its feasibility study for MCC-JCL Aynak Minerals Company Ltd. (MJAM). Located in Parwan and Kapisa, the project is intended to supply electricity to the Aynak Copper Mine and surrounding communities.
The assignment connected physical, biological and socio-economic baseline studies with impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and safeguards planning. Field evidence and laboratory analysis informed the assessment of environmental sensitivities, community impacts and project risks.
The assessment referenced Afghanistan’s environmental requirements, IFC Performance Standards and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework. Climate and disaster-risk analysis extended the focus to resilient planning, emergency preparedness and long-term environmental and social management.
- Project Title
- Baghdara Hydropower Project — Environmental and Social Assessment
- Location
- Kapisa and Parwan, Afghanistan
- Client / Partner
- MCC-JCL Aynak Minerals Company Ltd. (MJAM)
- Implementation Phases
- Feasibility-stage ESIA — 2025
- Sector
- Hydropower, energy infrastructure and environmental and social safeguards
- Services Provided
- Environmental and social baseline studies; field sampling and laboratory analysis; impact and risk assessment; stakeholder engagement; safeguards and management planning.
- Implemented By
- Daira Sabz Consulting & Engineering Group — Afghanistan
Baseline & Specialist Studies
An integrated picture of the environment, communities and project risks
The documented assessment coverage is listed below. Environmental and social baselines are complemented by specialist climate and disaster-risk studies.
Water quality and laboratory analysis
Water sampling and testing of physical, chemical and biological parameters at Daira Sabz’s Kabul laboratory.
Sedimentation
Assessment of sedimentation conditions as part of the physical environmental baseline.
Soil and geology
Assessment of soil and geological conditions, supported by field investigation and soil sampling.
Air quality and noise
Assessment of existing air-quality and noise conditions to inform impact evaluation and mitigation planning.
Flora, fauna and biodiversity
Assessment of biological conditions, including vegetation, wildlife and biodiversity sensitivities.
Socio-economic conditions and community impacts
Study of socio-economic conditions and potential effects on communities, informed by stakeholder engagement.
Cultural heritage
Consideration of cultural heritage within the environmental and social assessment scope.
Hydrometeorology and climate change
Assessment of hydrometeorological conditions and climate-change implications for resilient project planning.
Disaster risks and dam safety
Assessment of flood, landslide and seismic hazards, together with dam-safety considerations.
Assessment Approach
From baseline evidence to practical safeguards
A multidisciplinary, risk-based assessment linked site conditions with management priorities.
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01
Establish baseline conditions
Combine field surveys, sampling, technical measurements and laboratory analysis across physical, biological and social study areas.
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02
Assess impacts and resilience
Examine environmental and community impacts alongside climate, disaster and dam-safety risks.
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03
Engage stakeholders
Connect technical assessment with stakeholder consultation, community concerns and grievance-redress arrangements.
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04
Develop management measures
Translate findings into environmental and social management planning, monitoring, emergency preparedness and institutional capacity-strengthening measures.
Assessment Outputs
A foundation for informed project decisions
- Environmental and social assessment supporting the hydropower feasibility study.
- Integrated physical, biological and socio-economic baseline evidence.
- Water sampling and physical, chemical and biological laboratory analysis.
- Climate and disaster-risk assessment covering floods, landslides, seismic hazards and dam-safety considerations.
- Environmental and social management, monitoring and emergency-preparedness measures.
- Stakeholder engagement, grievance-redress mechanisms and institutional capacity-strengthening measures.
Why It Matters
Energy development informed by environmental and social evidence
Hydropower decisions connect energy needs with river systems, biodiversity, community livelihoods and safety. This assignment brought these considerations together to support informed planning, practical risk management and more resilient development.
Relevant Expertise
Integrated assessment for complex energy and infrastructure projects
Daira Sabz provides similar services for:
- Hydropower and renewable energy
- Energy infrastructure linked to mining
- Water-resource and major infrastructure development
Our relevant services include:
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Multidisciplinary environmental and social baseline studies
- Water sampling and environmental laboratory analysis
- Climate resilience and disaster-risk assessment
- Stakeholder engagement and safeguards planning
- Environmental and social management and monitoring
Project Gallery
Field evidence behind the assessment
Baghdara project photographs documenting air-quality monitoring, aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity surveys, community consultations, soil sampling, groundwater-level measurement and laboratory analysis.
Related Experience
Explore our environmental and social assessment work
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Work With Daira Sabz
Plan your next ESIA with a multidisciplinary team
Discuss your site, decision needs and study requirements with Daira Sabz—from baseline surveys and laboratory analysis to impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and management planning.
