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Table of Contents...................................................................................................1 Executive Summary...............................................................................................2 1.0 Introduction....................................................................................................3 2.0 Purpose and Scope of the Report........................................................................3 3.0 Description of Sub-project.................................................................................4 3.1 General Features..........................................................................................5 3.2 Technical Features of Shrimp and Crab Ponds...................................................5 3.3 Technical Features of Oyster, Mussels and Seaweed Rafts..................................6 3.4 Type and Category of the Project:...................................................................6 3.5 Location of Project........................................................................................6 3.6 Objectives of Project.....................................................................................7 3.8 Size & Magnitude of Operations and Implementation Schedule...........................8 3.9 Government Approval and Leases...................................................................8 4.0 Description of Environment................................................................................8 4.1 Physical Resources........................................................................................8 4.2 Ecological Resources.....................................................................................9 4.3 Socioeconomic Profile..................................................................................10 4.4 Quality of Life ............................................................................................10 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures.......................................11 5.1 Environmental Impacts Due to Existing Site...................................................11 5.2 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Design.................................................12 5.3 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Construction.........................................13 5.4 Environmental Impacts Due to Project Operation............................................14 5.5 Mitigation Measures.....................................................................................15 6.0 Analysis of Alternatives...................................................................................17 7.0 Public Consultation and Disclosure....................................................................18 8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations....................................................................18 Annexure I..........................................................................................................21 Annexure II.........................................................................................................23
Executive Summary
The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Dept., Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN). The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank. IUCN has been entrusted with the planning and implementation of community mangrove planting, and management and environmental assessment of aquaculture under the sub-component on improved coastal management. This report presents findings of an initial environmental assessment of the pilot aquaculture site for establishment of 10 shrimp/crab ponds on approximately one hectare land identified by the Sindh Fisheries Department along Ambra creek near Garho Town of the Thatta District. The initiative is being managed by the community mobilized by NRSP. The site under assessment is located adjacent to Ambra creek (240 20 11.1 north latitude and 670 35 39.6 east longitudes) at a distance of approximately 5 km from Garho Town. Administratively, the area falls under jurisdiction of the Sindh Forest & Wildlife Department. The selected site was declared a Protected Forest in 1958 under the Pakistan Forest Act 1927 and, subsequently, the same area has been declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1958 under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972. Under these laws the proposed aquaculture activities are prohibited within a Protected Forest or Wildlife Sanctuary. The site location also reveals that the area is an un-surveyed wasteland. It seems that the area has been claimed by the local resident Mr. Allah Dino Sholani. This claim is not supported by the Record of Rights (Form VII) to verify actual ownership of the land. Further, the agreement signed between landowner and the Sindh Fisheries Department does not mention survey number(s) of the proposed land. The site itself is affected by salinity and has no potential for agriculture in future. The establishment of new ponds will have a very negligible impact on the existing water table in the area. However, there is potential risk of active creek erosion due to high tides. Since the pilot is being undertaken on the land of an influential person, one of the key objectives of the project to improve livelihoods among poor masses of the area is susceptible to be compromised. The existing design of ponds at the present locations requires high investment which for a poor fisherman would be difficult to afford and replicate the existing model. Hence, it is proposed that the site location and the project design may be reconsidered to make it consistent with the project objectives. Low technology, low input and single household managed ponds are proposed as the suitable alternative to distribute project benefits widely and making its replication feasible.
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1.0 Introduction
The Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Dept., Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN) with different roles and responsibilities assigned to each of them. The objectives of the project are: i. ii. iii. Diversify household income generation options and access to service in ways sustainable to the fragile ecosystem Improve coastal zone management by stabilising environmental degradation, protecting coastal areas from accelerated erosion Strengthen institutional capabilities for coastal development and management of fisheries resources zone planning and
The complex nature of the project demands effective cooperation between organizations for successful implementation of the project in order to achieve the following outputs: i. ii. Sustainable community managed income generating mangrove stands, pond/raft fisheries, and shell fisheries established Transparent and accountable community driven mechanisms for identification, implementation and operations and maintenance of civil works and public services in place
In the role of consultant IUCNP has been working very closely with NRSP and Sindh Forest and Fisheries departments for the implementation of SCCDP. Under the sub-component improved coastal management, IUCNP is tasked with the planning and implementation of community planting, management and environmental assessment of aquaculture in the coastal areas of the Thatta and Badin districts. IUCN Pakistans key roles in the ADB funded Sindh Coastal Community Development Project are: i. ii. iii. To implement the Community Mangrove Planting component of the project 350 ha through local community participation. To monitor and evaluate both the 350 ha area and the planting of 3000 ha of mangrove by the Dept of Forestry on government owned land. To monitor environmental impacts of the aquaculture related activities to be undertaken as part of the project.
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result of these pilots, the aquaculture activities are intended to be expanded to establish 80 more ponds each to promote livelihood of households in coastal areas of Sindh. For the establishment of pilot ponds, local communities are to be mobilized and engaged in the pilot initiatives with support form NRSP and environmental assessment and monitoring of pilot interventions and subsequent expansion is to be carried out by IUCN Pakistan so that the adverse environmental consequence are avoided or mitigated to enhance the positive benefits of the proposed interventions. The purpose of this report is present an initial environmental assessment of the pilot aquaculture site for establishment of 10 shrimp/crab ponds requiring piece of approximately one hectare land identified by the Sindh Fisheries Department along Ambra creek near Garho town of Thatta district. Based on this assessment, environmental impacts of proposed pilot interventions have been identified, screened and assessed. Mitigation measures to address the potential environmental impacts have been proposed and a monitoring plan has been suggested for continuous monitoring of the proposed interventions during construction and operation phases. An initial environment assessment of the proposed pilot aquaculture intervention was conducted before the start of project to assess baseline situation and analyse environmental impacts of proposed aquaculture intervention during design, construction and operation phases. The scope of this environmental assessment report is limited to environmental situation within the immediate surrounding of the identified site. The assessment covers physical, biological and socio-economic parameters pertaining to the proposed pilot aquaculture intervention. The assessment was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts, as follows: 1. Ahmad Saeed, EIA Specialist / Team Leader 2. Ghulam Qadir Shah, Environment Specialist / Co-Team Leader 3. Hamid Sarfraz, Sociologist 4. Muhammad Tahir Qureshi, Coastal Ecosystem Expert 5. Rafiul Haq, NRM Specialist 6. Aquaculture/Fisheries Specialist For the preparation of this assessment report several visits of the proposed site were conducted to collect required information. These included joint visits with relevant fisheries officials, meetings with local NRSP staff, discussion and consultation with community members. In addition, background project documents and literature was reviewed for the preparation of this report.
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ii.
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ii.
Twenty initial ponds will be sited above mean high tide level with built up bunds (embankments) to prevent encroachment during spring tides. Seawater supply will be by a gravity-fed system relying on the ebb and flow of the twice-daily tide. The shrimp ponds will be seeded with post-larvae from the Hawks Bay shrimp hatchery. The crab ponds will be seeded with young crabs caught by local villagers in the mangrove swamps. The feed for the crab is trash fish and shrimp. The feed for shrimp is commercial feed pellets, or a combination of urea, cow and poultry waste, DAP (di-aminophosphate), molasses and yeast, prior to stocking the pond. Shrimp fishery will yield 1650 kg after 4 months, and crab fishery will produce 2000 kg after 4 months. There is a large local and export market for shrimps (Rs.200-300/kg depending on season). Crabs (Rs. 80/kg) are valuable export with a significant market, and the potential for seaweed direct exports and local sale of extracts is high.
iii.
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3.5
Location Project
of
Site for the proposed (10) pilot aquaculture ponds is located adjacent to Ambra creek (240 20 11.1 north latitude and 0670 35 39.6 east longitude) at a distance of approximately 5
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kilometres from Garho town, falling in Union Council Garho, District Thatta (Fig 1: Location Map). In this regard, the project proponent, Sindh Fisheries Department has entered into an agreement (Annexure I) with a private landowner, Mr. Allah Dino Sholani to get the subject land allocated for establishment of a series of 10 shrimp/crab ponds, each measuring 0.1 ha (20m x 50m), on a communal basis. However, GPS coordinates of the identified site reveal that the site in question has been declared as protected forest and wildlife sanctuary, and falls under the administrative and legal jurisdiction of the Sindh Forest & Wildlife Department (Annexure II).
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3.7 Alternatives Considered The proposed establishment shrimp and crab pond and rafts system has been prescribed in the Sindh Coastal Community Development Project being executed by Sindh Coastal Development Authority in Thatta (Keti Bundar & Shah Bundar) and Badin (Zero Point) districts of Sindh province. The proposed site for pilot scale shrimp and crab ponds and oyster, mussel rafts has been selected by Sindh Fisheries Department keeping in view nearness to their Garho facility and similar aquaculture activities being operated by private parties in the area. Apparently, alternate to the identified project site has not been considered by the Sindh Fisheries Department. The identified site is affected by salinity and has no potential for agriculture in future.
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north latitude and 0670 35 39.6 east longitude. The general topography of the area consists of agricultural plains interfaced with inter-tidal creek zone. Being, adjacent to the creek the proposed aquaculture ponds site consists of saline wasteland. As per soil analysis report (AnnexureIII) carried out by Sindh Fisheries Department, the soil is highly saline in nature and low in organic contents. The salinity is high at the surface and decrease with soil depth. The PH ranges from 8.7 to 9.0. Climatically, the area can be categorized as subtropical maritime desert. There are two distinct seasons; summer (March June) and winter (November to February). Average annual rainfall is about 221 mm and in some years virtually there is no rainfall during the monsoon season. Winds blow from the west during March to October and from north-east during November to January. During peak monsoon season, wind speed rises to an average of 8 knots (Heokstra et al. 1997).
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show environmental pollution of great magnitude, it seems likely that the frequency of such symptoms may be due to pollution as well as are the reflection of the absence of the civic amenities in the area. Due to ethnic and professional homogeneity, community conflicts are less prevalent. The local Bradari (communal) system is used to resolve community conflict.
5.0
Potential Measures
Environmental
Impacts
&
Mitigation
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d. Structures A few houses were noticed at a distance of about 500 meters from the proposed aquaculture ponds location. As mentioned earlier, the water table in the area is already very high due to close proximity of Ambra Creek and 40 45 aquaculture ponds. Establishment of ten new ponds might only increase water table slightly and not have any major impact on structures in the area. e. Erosion Erosion of boundary walls of the existing aquaculture ponds was very evident. It was noticed that some of the existing ponds were abandoned mainly due to serious erosion of the embankments towards Ambra Creek whereas; many ponds were noticed eroded away into the creek. If proper protection measures are not adopted, it is very likely that the pond embankments will erode away rendering the established ponds lost to the creek permanently. Further, the coastal areas have been subject to extreme weather phenomenon during recent times, hence potential risks of erosion and flooding may not be underestimated.
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Contrary to this, if single ponds managed by poor individual households are established in natural creek system, the beneficiaries would be fewer and belonging to the same village or household making it easier for them to manage and sustain. As per the project document, the proposed aquaculture ponds were to be piloted and expanded in the coastal areas of Keti Bundar, Shah Bundar and Zero Point targeting the poor fisherfolks and those who have no other sources of livelihoods except fishing. The proposed intervention was aimed to provide primary or secondary source of income to poor communities. However, as per current design, the ponds are being piloted in an area where people are relatively well off and have multiple sources of livelihoods such as fishing, agriculture, and trading. If the proposed interventions were piloted in Keti Bundar, as originally conceived, where sources of livelihoods were limited to fishing only, the project may yield much higher positive benefits for the target beneficiaries through creation of alternate source of livelihood for them.
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of excavated soil. Finding of appropriate site for the disposal of excavated material will require careful consideration by the project proponent. Any improper disposal of the soil may result in issues with the community in the area. No disposal should be allowed on private land especially aquaculture ponds or agriculture e. Agriculture Agriculture is one of the key sources of livelihoods of the local communities. However, given the smaller nature of construction activities, it is unlikely that the construction activities may have a major negative impact on agriculture in the area. However, it is of utmost importance to take proper precautionary measures to avoid any potential impacts of construction activities on agriculture in the area particularly due to setting up of construction camp and its activities, disposal of waste material and parking or movement of heavy earth moving machinery. f. Construction Camp If the contractor decides to establish a camp for the construction of ponds, it may potentially result in environmental and social impacts. The environmental impacts are mainly generation of wastewater and solid waste. However, considering the overall wastewater and solid waste management in Garho, the issue is of a very minimal concern but needs to be given attention particularly when the camp is located within the agriculture field. There could be potential social issues if the contractor decides to bring external labour instead of using local labour. This can potentially lead to conflict if the labour is involved in practices not acceptable in local cultural context. However, it is very likely that the contractor will use local labour to cut cost and to avoid any potential conflict with the local population. g. Community Safety It may be a potential major concern in this initiative. Heavy earthmoving machinery will be used for excavation purposes which will cross from narrow town streets and village link roads to reach the construction site. Any carelessness on part of the operator or of the community may potentially result in an accident. It is particularly important to pay attention to the safe speed limits and keep an eye out for children in the area who are more vulnerable to such accidents. h. Occupational Health and Safety It may be a potential major concern in this intervention because of the use of heavy earthmoving machinery, civil works and difficult working conditions. Careless operation of heavy machinery may potentially cause injuries to staff and labour. Similarly other civil works such as construction of dykes / protective walls using big stones to check sea erosion may potentially be harmful for labour if proper protective gear is not provided. Although labour in Pakistan is not very fond of wearing protective gears such as helmets, it is up to the contractor to ensure that the protective gears are used by labourers to protect them against any potential injuries. In addition, harsh summer weather when the construction might take place may be another potential risk for the labourers to suffer from heatstroke. Labour intensive tasks should be avoided during day times when the mercury is at its maximum.
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a. Biodiversity The introduction of any fish species which is alien and potentially invasive is a potential threat to marine biodiversity in the area. Only local species should be introduced in the pilot ponds. Since mangrove plantation is proposed to address erosion issues, it is important that local mangrove species are used such as, Avicenia marina. Similarly if there is any other plantation to be done in this project, only local species should be used and other species such as Eucalypts should be avoided. Further, the use of chemicals and fertilizers is a common practice in aquaculture activities. Excessive use of these chemicals and fertilizers may be a source of aquatic pollution. b. Sludge/ excavated material disposal During the project operational phase, it is likely that desilting /excavation will be required to restore capacity of the ponds. Any indiscriminate dumping on adjacent land, agriculture fields, adjacent ponds or sea will result in environmental and social issues. Dumped material becomes a source of dust in the area and eventually ends up in the ponds again by wind and rain. It may create problems for farmers if dumped on agriculture land and for communities if dumped on their daily routes. Hence excavated material is a continuous nuisance if not disposed properly.
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When an excavation is undertaken for construction purposes and later during the project operation to restore capacity of the ponds, the disposal of the sludge/ excavated material should be properly undertaken. Dumping of the waste materials on adjacent land, agriculture fields, and aquaculture ponds or in the sea should be strictly avoided. The disposal of solid waste produced during pond construction and operation should be undertaken in consultation with local authorities and owners of the land, if the site is a private land. e. Air Pollution To minimize air pollution due to dust emission or transport of waste materials during construction or operation, the waste materials should be transported in covered vehicles especially if the route is through town areas and frequently used roads. Transportation should preferably be undertaken during night to avoid inconvenience to people and road users. If the temporary storage is necessary at the site, the waste should be sprinkled with water to suppress dust. f. Noise Pollution Noise is not a major issue during construction since the project site is at some distance from the settled area. However, the movement of machinery through Garho Town or through habitation may create a temporary noise issue. It is recommended that the heavy machinery and dumper trucks should use any bypass roads to avoid town centre or village habitations during day and night time. In case, if bypass option is not available, the town administration and local communities should be consulted to suggest times for maximum movement of heavy traffic. g. Construction camp If the contractor decides to setup a camp, it should be located close to the construction site. The site should be provided by the community after taking due permissions from the owner. After the construction is complete, the camp should be properly dismantled and the site rehabilitated. Any structures constructed should be demolished if the owner does not want them. Solid waste should be collected and dumped at the municipal dumping area. Wastewater from the camp should not be indiscriminately discharged out in the open. As far as possible, the contractor shall prefer engagement of local community members as labourers to avoid chances of social conflict and provide employment to the local people. The contractor should ensure that the labour employed does not create any problems for the community. . h. Community Safety If possible, a bypass should be used for the movement of heavy earthmoving machinery and town streets should be avoided to the maximum possible extent. However, if bypass is not available, extreme care should be taken while moving earth moving machinery through town streets or village habitations. The safe speed limits should be strictly enforced during movement of machinery or such movement should preferably be carried out at night time when the streets are empty. Any movement during the day should be done carefully with the help of some staff to clear and warn people of machinerys movement. The machinery should have proper lights and reflectors. The project area should be strictly prohibited for the movement of people who are not working for the project, especially children. The ponds should have safety markings especially warning tape around the site to keep unauthorized people away and also to forewarn people of potential risks that lie at the construction site.
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i. Occupational Health and Safety The staff and labour should be provided protective gears. It is the duty of the project contractor to ensure that the staff wears protective gears. A first aid box should be available at the project site to deal with emergencies. The camp office and construction site should be properly guarded to avoid threats associated with unauthorized use of stored equipment, chemicals and machinery. j. Biodiversity To prevent biodiversity loss, no exotic or alien and invasive species should be introduced in the pond. Only recommended local species of crab and shrimp should be tried in the pond. The excessive use of chemicals and fertilizer should be avoided to prevent aquatic pollution.
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d. Input Alternatives The current design for establishment of aquaculture ponds would require considerably high investment which will be beyond reach of a poor fisherfolk which are the target beneficiaries of the project. Therefore, following the design which requires less input cost by taking the advantage of natural creek system may yield better profit margins.
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As mandated under the project, IUCN Pakistan is responsible for environmental baseline, monitoring, and advisory on crab and prawn pond environmental impacts and mitigation measures to prevent environmental damage. An initial environmental assessment of site selected at Ambra Creek by Sindh Fisheries Department for establishment of 10 pilot shrimp and crab ponds was carried by IUCN team of experts before the start of project. The assessment has revealed that the proposed site, although suitable for aquaculture, is inconsistent with criteria specified and locations recommended for piloting in the project document i.e. Keti Bundar and Shah Bundar. Except active creek erosion, screening process has not identified any other major negative environmental issues related to operation of the proposed intervention, due to smaller sale of proposed activity involving approximately one (1) ha of infertile land. However, the assessment has revealed major concerns related to the site and design of proposed intervention. In terms of environmental concerns, the proposed site falls within the boundaries of protected forests and wildlife sanctuary. In terms of design, it is inappropriate to meet the project objectives and transfer project benefits to the target beneficiaries. Being cost and infrastructure intensive, the proposed design appears to be beyond the reach of poor fishing households making its replication by target beneficiaries questionable. The site and design in question needs to be reconsidered to make it consistent with the project objectives. Low technology, low input and single household managed ponds are proposed as the suitable alternative to distribute project benefits widely and making its replication feasible.
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9.0 References
Heokstra, D. A., N. Mahmood., G. R. Shah, W.A. Shah., M. A. Domki., and Q. M. Ali. 1997. Diagnostic study Indus delta mangrove ecosystem, main sub-system characteristics, problems, potentials, proposed interventions and pilot sites, Subproject, RRIDM (World Bank/GoS funded). 76 pp. IFAP 2007. Detailed Ecological Assessment of Fauna including Limnology Studies at Keti Bundar. NRSP, n.d. Situational Analysis and Profile of village Allah Dino Sholani (un-published)
Qureshi, M. T. 1985. Working Plan of Coastal Forests (1985 -86 to 2004 05) Sindh Forest Department.
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Annexure I
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Annexure II
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Annexure III
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Annexure IV
Detail Floristic list of the area adjacent to Ambra creek: # Taxon 1 Blepharis sindica Stocks ex T. And. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3
Achyranthes aspera L Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) Field &J.R.I.Wood Conyza aegyptiaca Ait. Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Amin Sonchus asper Fig. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh Heliotopium ophioglossum Boiss Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew
Family Acanthaceae Amaranthaceae Asclepiadaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Avicenniaceae Boraginaceae Capparidaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Chenopodiaceae Convolvulaceae Convolvulaceae Cyperaceae Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae Mimosaceae Mimosaceae Nyctaginaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C.Koch Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq Atriplex stocksii Boiss Chenopodium album L Salsola imbricata Forsk Suaeda fruticosa Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin Suaeda monoica Forsk. ex J.F.Gmelin
Convolvulus arvensis L Cressa cretica L. Cyperus bulbosus Vahl Euphorbia serpens Kunth Alhagi maurorum Medic Acacia nilotica Delile Prosopis juliflora Swartz Commicarpus boissieri (Heimerl) Cufod
Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw Chloris barbata Sw Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.
Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf Paspalum vaginatum Swartz.. Pennisetum purpureum Schum.
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0 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 6 3 7
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