REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN:
ROGUN HPP PROJECT
MITIGATION MEASURES PLAN TO ELIMINATE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PLANNED FILLING OF THE RESERVOIR TO 1140 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL IN 2026
DIRECTORATE FOR FLOODING ZONE OF ROGUN HPP
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
MAY 1, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction. 2
- Characteristics of the impact zone. 3
- Social risks and potential impacts. 4
- Proposed measures to mitigate the consequences and eliminate social and environmental risks 4
Road and bridges improvement 6
Social and sanitary measures. 7
Technical and planning measures. 7
Economic support for the population. 7
The purpose and principles of the grievance redress mechanism.. 8
1. Introduction
This Social and Environmental Risk Mitigation Plan addresses the risks and impacts associated with the implementation of the Overall Implementation Plan (OIP) and the Reservoir Impoundment Plan, including those short-term risks and impacts associated with the planned filling of the reservoir to 1140 m above sea level in 2026.
It should be noted that several revisions of the OIP and the Reservoir Impoundment Plan have been developed recently for the Rogun HPP project. In addition, the Chorsada – Sangdevor bridge will be dismantled in 2026. And as a result of this the transport route from the right bank to the left bank of the reservoir and vice versa will be changed for residents of the villages of Sayidoni bolo, Bediho, Roguni bolo, Sangdevor and Kumbak.
It should also be noted that during the period when the reservoir level rises up to 1140 meters above sea level, there is in fact no real threat of flooding of any rural settlements or their complete isolation.
Figure 1 – Left Bank Existing Roads and Bridges
Residents of the villages of Sayidoni Bolo and Bediho have special entry permits that allow them to use the roads and tunnels that pass through the Rogun HPP construction site for transport communications with the right bank. They can also use the existing inter-village roads leading to the Mekhrobod – Yakhch bridge, which is about 12 kilometers (if follow the riverbed) upstream of the Chorsada bridge. It is at an elevation of 1144.61 and will be the nearest to these villages.
However, at present, the residents of the villages of Sayidoni bolo, Bediho, Roguni bolo, Sangdevor and Kumbak use the Chorsada bridge for transportation. And its dismantling will lead to an extension of transportation route for the above-mentioned communities, which requires an integrated approach to mitigation and support for the affected communities. Reaching the water level 1140 m a.s.l. is planned for October-November 2026.
Further filling of the reservoir, i.e. above the 1140 m above sea level, may result in restricted or loss of access to resources and public infrastructure for residents of 14 more villages in the Jamoat Izatullo Khalimov of Nurobod district, where 8830 people live (2018 households). However, access to the right bank and public infrastructure will not be lost (except that it will be unavailable through a specific point, but will be available through another).
2. Characteristics of the impact zone
Settlements of Sayidoni bolo, Bediho, Roguni bolo, Sangdevor and Kumbak are geographically located on the left bank of the Rogun reservoir. The village of Sayidoni Bolo administratively belongs to the city of Rogun, and the other villages to the Nurabad district.
The table below shows the number of households and infrastructure facilities affected by the reservoir impoundment. According to the information received, the affected villages look like this.
| №p/p | Name of the village | Number of households and families | Number of populations | school | medical center | cemetery |
| 1 | Saidoni bolo | 103 | 534 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Bediho | 115 | 539 | 1 | – | 1 |
| 3 | Roguni bolo | 119 | 419 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | Sangdevor | 194 | 840 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | Kumbak | 117 | 497 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
It should be noted that changes to transport routes will have both positive and negative impacts on residents and communities as a whole.
For example, the length of the road to the city of Rogun, i.e. the district center, will be reduced when using the roads and tunnels of the Rogun HPP. And the drive time on the road to the market, which is located in the Chorsada area[1], will increase by 15 – 35 minutes depending on the location of a particular village. However, in the near future, it will be necessary to get there by inter-village roads that pass through mountainous, difficult-to-pass terrain. These roads also cross mudflow-prone areas, for example, the Obi Namak sai.
3. Social risks and potential impacts
In case of restricted access due to adverse weather conditions and more difficult access during floods, mudflows and landslides, to the market and other public infrastructure on the right bank may lead to social risks, for example:
- Difficulty in accessing resources and public infrastructure;
- Social conflicts and discontent;
- Vulnerability of specific groups (low-income, elderly, disable, female HH heads).
Developing measures to mitigate impacts and support affected communities requires a comprehensive approach.
4. Proposed measures to mitigate the consequences and eliminate social and environmental risks
There are several important points to consider during risks assessment and planning mitigation measures:
- The transport route to the main road[2] on the right bank will be changed both at the 1140 m mark and as the reservoir continues to impound.
- The length of the road to the market which is located in the Chorsada area, at water level of 1140 m above sea level, will increase as it will be necessary to get there along inter-village roads that pass through mountainous, difficult terrain[3].
- Construction of permanent roads[4]: Start physical construction work of new roads and transport routes (including temporary ones if the construction of new roads is not possible in the short term).
- Construction of new permanent bridges[5]: Several streams and rivers flow along the road leading to the remaining villages, making the area vulnerable especially during the flood season, when the water level rises and when mudflows occur. Old bridges may be destroyed or unable to withstand new loads.
- Construction of drainage systems: To ensure the stability of the road when it crosses rivers, drainage systems must be constructed to prevent flooding and erosion.
- Slope stabilization: In areas where mudflows frequently occur, it is important to stabilize road slopes, for example by using hydraulic systems, reinforcement, and the creation of protective dams and structures to prevent landslides and mudflows.
- Road condition monitoring: install monitoring systems to promptly identify road damage caused by natural phenomena (e.g. mudflows, floods) and, if necessary, quickly restore infrastructure.
- The design of new bridges should be carried out taking into account the geological and hydrological features of the area:
- Increased strength.
- Protection against mudflows and floods.
- Ability to pass large volumes of water.
Awareness Raising
Awareness raising and informing the population is an important component of the package of measures to mitigate the consequences and eliminate social risks. With proper awareness raising, many potential risks can be avoided. The necessary measures will be:
- Conducting public consultations (hearings).
- Activities to inform the public about changes in the route of traffic, including the installation of information banners and boards (signs) along key transport roads and at intersections, which will inform drivers and pedestrians about route changes.
- Conducting information and explanatory work with the population on issues of preventing and eliminating emergency situations, such as landslides, mudflows, soil erosion in mountainous areas and on highways.
- Emergency response training: Conducting practical classes and training evacuations (drills) in villages, schools and other institutions, familiarizing the population with evacuation routes, assembly areas and shelters. Organizing regular meetings with residents of affected communities and holding thematic seminars and lectures with the participation of specialists in emergency prevention and response.
Public awareness events are conducting by the DFZ, and thematic events are held with the involvement of specialists in emergency prevention and response. It is worth noting that placing life jackets or life buoys along the shoreline of a reservoir is not advisable, as it may have the opposite effect of safety precautions (there is a risk that the population, especially children, will be tempted to use the equipment for swimming).
Road and bridges improvement
The improvement of the existing roads and bridges is one of the main mitigation measures. In 2025 the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan allocated the necessary funding in the amount of 7,1 million somoni for the implementation of these measures. These measures can help eliminate almost all (or most) of the adverse effects of dismantling the Chorsada bridge.
However, only the construction of new roads and permanent bridges[6] can completely eliminate the above-mentioned social risks. In addition, the existing temporary bridge over Obi Namak can be used in the future during the construction of new roads and permanent bridges. That is, the costs for it can be taken into account as an investment in the project to build 55 km of new roads on the left bank.
When improving the condition of an existing road, it is important to take measures to mitigate (or minimize) negative impacts on the environment, population, and economy. These mitigation measures are similar to those envisaged for the construction of a new road and permanent bridges. Please see below.
5. Construction of new roads and permanent bridges
During the construction of new roads and permanent bridges, measures must also be taken to mitigate (or minimize) negative impacts on the environment, population and economy.
Environmental measures
See below for the main categories of such proposed measures and specific examples:
Preservation of biodiversity:
- Construction of temporary and permanent ecoducts (bridges for animals) or underground crossings.
- Avoiding deforestation and destruction of rare plant species.
Drainage management:
- Installation of drainage systems and local treatment systems.
- Strengthening of banks, slopes, use of geomaterials.
Reducing air pollution:
- Use of low-emission construction equipment.
- Water sprinkling of roads and construction sites to reduce dust.
Noise protection:
- Construction of noise protection screens near residential buildings.
- Application of noise-absorbing coatings.
Social and sanitary measures
Minimizing the impact on local residents:
- Design and select routes to avoid proximity to schools, homes, hospitals.
- Creation of temporary detours and safe crossings.
Time limitation for work:
- Prohibition of noisy work at night and on weekends.
Economic measures
Supporting local communities:
Priority for hiring local residents. During the construction of the road and permanent bridges on the left bank of the Rogun HPP reservoir, priority will be given to employing local residents. This will help create jobs for the population, ensure sustainable economic development of local communities and increase social stability in the area.
Support for small businesses (for example, temporary retail outlets along the road or in the village) not only helps improve the availability of goods and services for the population, but also creates additional jobs. In Tajikistan, there are various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses that can be extended to the project impact area.
Technical and planning measures
E&S planning:
- Development of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
Selecting the optimal route:
- Taking into account the minimization of intersections with water bodies, populated areas, and natural monuments.
Construction phasing:
- Reducing the intensity of work in certain areas in stages.
- Separation of equipment flows to reduce dust and noise.
Economic support for the population
Economic support for the population of the left bank can be provided within the framework of the Livelihood Restoration Plan, or by extending other similar initiatives to this area. For example:
Agricultural support: Various pilot projects are being implemented in Tajikistan to provide economic and agricultural support to the population, especially in rural areas. These initiatives contribute to improving living conditions, increasing incomes and creating new jobs. It is necessary to consider the possibility of expanding these programs to the project impact area.
Training and professional development: Conduct trainings and seminars for farmers and local residents aimed at mastering new technologies and methods of farming. It is necessary to consider the possibility of expanding the existing programs of the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment to the project impact area.
Provision of microfinance services: Providing access to financial resources for start-up entrepreneurs and farmers, which contributes to the development of small businesses and job creation. The possibility of expanding existing programs to the project’s impact area should be considered.
Infrastructure development on the left bank: Construction and modernization of agricultural facilities, such as warehouses and processing plants, which will improve working conditions and increase production efficiency. These measures can be implemented within the framework of any national programs.
Development of Alternative Sources of Income: Development of alternative sources of income requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, access to finance and the use of modern technologies. Public and private initiatives, as well as international cooperation, play an important role in creating sustainable and effective models for the population of Tajikistan.
6. Grievance Redress Mechanism
The existing grievance redress mechanism (GRM) has been updated and revised to ensure compliance with international best practice. The GRM includes processes for receiving, accepting, investigating, resolving and closing operational issues, concerns, problems or complaints (hereinafter referred to as “complaints”).
This GRM is intended for external stakeholders affected by the Rogun HPP and not for employees or workers of the PMG or the DFZ. A separate internal GRM for employee grievances and labour relations has been established for use by employees of the PMG, the DFZ and contractors. The GRM for workers is detailed in the Labour Management Procedures (LMP).
The purpose and principles of the grievance redress mechanism
The purpose of this GRM is:
- Ensure that issues raised by stakeholders are addressed in a credible, predictable, transparent and fair manner;
- Ensure prompt resolution of complaints;
- Ensure that the concerns and complaints of vulnerable groups who often lack access to legal processes and grievance procedures are addressed; and
- Increase accountability to stakeholders.
GRM procedures
The PMG and the DFZ will initiate the implementation of a formal grievance procedure (complaints) to obtain the views of affected communities and stakeholders. The grievance procedure will be used as a tool to facilitate timely and successful resolution of stakeholder concerns and to monitor the Project’s relationship with the affected community at various stages of the Project.
The GRM process is a two-tier process:
- Tier 1 – Tier 1 is the initial process in which Rogun HPP[7] and the complainant consult directly. Tier 1 of the grievance redress mechanism is an internal process in which complaints are reviewed and resolved directly by the DFZ after consultation with the complainant.
- Tier 2[8] – The complaints procedure will be escalated to Level 2 if a mutually acceptable solution is not found. The Level 2 process involves third parties, where participants agree on the process, the parties involved, and the remedies available.
Details of the grievance redress procedure will be widely disseminated in English, Russian and Tajik. Information about the existence of the grievance redress mechanism will be made available to all communities in all jamoat offices, PMG and DFZ offices, and in the affected towns’ offices. In addition, DFZ posters will be displayed in key locations in the Project-affected settlements. Appendix A contains DFZ leaflets with telephone numbers and other contact details that are distributed to the public.
It should be emphasized that participation in the GRM should not hinder or interfere with the applicant’s right to other judicial, administrative, civil or traditional remedies. The applicant may discontinue participation in the GRM at any time and choose other remedies.
Below is a plan of mitigation measures for communities in the flood zone:
7. Mitigation Plan
Table 1: Mitigation Plan
| No. | Mitigation measures | Term | Status | Responsibility |
| 1. | Identification and mapping of the flood zone | |||
| 1.1 | Conducting a detailed geodetic and hydrological analysis to accurately determine the flood boundaries at the 1140 m mark. | Before the water level began to rise | Completed | DFZ |
| 1.2 | Creation of a risk zone map including:
o residential buildings; o social infrastructure (schools, medical centers, roads); o agricultural land, pastures, water sources. |
Before the water level began to rise | Completed | DFZ |
| 2. | Infrastructure and road solutions | |||
| 2.1 | Improving roads and bridges until the flooding ends:
o Permanent or temporary roads bypassing the reservoir. o Construction of bridges across new water bodies and potential mudflow-prone areas. o Monitoring road stability and installation of drainage systems. |
As soon as possible | Construction of a temporary bridge for residents of the villages of Bediho and Sayidoni Bolo has been completed.
Tender process is underway for the construction of roads and bridges on the left bank (Estimated date of the construction left bank road and bridges are 36 months.) |
DFZ (and contractor);
PMG; Designer; |
| 2.2 | o Installation of information banners and boards (direction signs) along key transport roads and at intersections, which will inform drivers and pedestrians about route changes. | Before starting physical work and then regularly update | Completed | DFZ (and contractor);
|
| 2.3 | o Activities to inform the public about changes in the direction of traffic. | Before the changes began | Completed | DFZ (and contractor);
|
| 3. | Population displacement | |||
| 3.1 | Development of a resettlement program, if required:
o Identification of all houses subject to demolition. o Conducting an assessment of the value of property. o Individual approach: offers of new plots, housing or monetary compensation. |
Before the water level began to rise | Completed | DFZ |
| 3.2 | Construction of new settlements:
o Infrastructure – water, electricity, schools, hospitals, roads. o Taking into account the climatic and cultural characteristics of the new location. |
As soon as possible | Ongoing | DFZ (designer and contractors)
|
| 4. | Social and economic compensation | |||
| 4.1 | Financial assistance to resettlers:
o Compensation payments for housing, land, loss of crops/pastures. o Compensation payments for the adaptation period. |
As soon as possible | Ongoing | DFZ |
| 4.2 | Support for income sources:
o Provision of land in exchange for lost (flooded) land. o Job creation programs (crafts, construction, agricultural projects, etc.). |
As soon as possible | Ongoing | Local authorities (hukumats) and the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Agriculture, Committee on Women and Family Affairs, Local Development Committee with the assistance of the DFZ within the framework of LRP2 |
| 4.3 | Other support, as required, to assist households in transportation or obtaining goods and services while awaiting construction of the new roads and bridges. | As and when necessary | Ongoing | DFZ, in coordination with jamoats, Ministry of Agriculture, Local Development Committee, etc. |
| 5. | Public awareness and participation | |||
| 5.1 | Conducting explanatory work:
o Information on water rise dates, resettlement, compensation. |
Constantly | Ongoing | DFZ |
| 5.2 | o Emergency response training: Conducting practical classes and evacuation drills in schools, kindergartens and other institutions, familiarizing the population with evacuation routes, assembly areas and shelters. | Regularly, once a year | Ongoing | Committee for Emergency Situation (CES) with assistance from DFZ |
| 5.3 | o Conducting information and explanatory work with the population on issues of preventing and eliminating emergency situations, such as landslides, mudflows, soil erosion in mountainous areas and on highways. | Constantly | Ongoing | DFZ |
| 5.4 | o Organizing regular meetings with residents of affected communities and holding thematic seminars and lectures with the participation of specialists in emergency prevention and response. | Regularly, quarterly | Ongoing | CES with assistance from DFZ |
| 5. 5 | Feedback from residents:
o Hotline and headquarters for resolving resettlement issues. o Involvement of local leaders[9] and activists in coordination. |
Constantly | Ongoing (GRM is developed and complaint boxes are placed.) | DFZ |
| 6. | Environmental protection and restoration | |||
| 6.1 | Environmental impacts assessment:
o Forests, rare species of animals, agricultural land. |
Before the water level rises and construction work begins | The S-ESMP has been prepared for the inter-village road and bridge construction project. | DFZ;
PMG; |
| 6.2 | Environmental Compensation Program:
o Land restoration. o Forest plantations. |
Before the water level rises and construction work begins
|
The S-ESMP has been prepared for the inter-village road and bridge construction project. | DFZ;
PMG; |
| 7. | Monitoring and reporting | |||
| 7.1 | Regular progress reports:
o Rising water levels. o Construction of infrastructure and road structures. o Payment of compensation. o Stages of resettlement. |
Regularly, monthly | The S-ESMP has been prepared for the inter-village road and bridge construction project. | DFZ |
| 7.2 | Independent public control (including from international environmental organizations, if there is interest or funding). | Periodically | Ongoing | DFZ;
PMG; |
8. Implementation schedule
The stages of implementation of this Plan are closely linked to the reservoir impoundment schedule. If necessary, amendments and updates to this Plan will have to be made.
9. Budget
Budget estimation – To be determined later
Funding sources – To be determined later
10. Monitoring and evaluation
- Social Impact Indicators – To be developed
- Internal and external monitoring mechanisms – To be developed
- Regular reporting – TBD
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
[1]In the Chorsada area, there is a market on Saturdays and Sundays where people can freely buy and sell their goods without any obstacles.
[2] International highway M-41.
[3] Through this site, DFZ built and commissioned a temporary bridge, 42 meters long, with a load capacity of 40 tons and a width of 5.5 meters.
[4] The project to build 55 km of roads and bridges on the left bank, financed by the AIIB. The tender for selecting an EPC-contractor is ongoing as of May 2026.
[5] Same as above.
[6] The AIIB has agreed to allocate $30 million for this project, and the tender will be completed soon.
[7]From here on, the Rogun HPP refers to the project as a whole, i.e. it includes the PMG, DFZ and the JSC Rogun HPP.
[8] Recently, Tier 2 was updated and a draft of the new structure was sent to the Government for approval.
[9]Leaders of mahallas or jamoats, as well as informal leaders.
