Kerala: Nod sought from revenue dept for conversion of paddy land

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state expert appraisal committee (SEAC) has directed Technopark, the project proponent of Technocity project, to submit permission from the revenue department for the conversion of paddy land as per the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2008.
It has also termed the environment impact assessment (EIA) report incomplete.
As per the minutes of the 132nd meeting of SEAC, the committee observed that it is desirable to consider the application for environmental clearance (EC) for the development of Technocity Technology Park project after obtaining clearance as per the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2008. The proposal for EC and field inspection report were examined by the committee. The minutes of the meeting also noted that the master plan for Technocity involves development of a built-up area of 62,31,343 m2 in 158 hectares of land with floor space index (FSI) of 4.
About 50% of the land is already allotted to eight companies that include TCS, Nissan-digital, Space Park, IIITMK, etc. About 19% of the land falls under the paddy land, which requires clearance under the Kerala Conservation of Paddy and Wetland Act, 2008.
The committee has also observed that the EIA report is incomplete as many of the aspects proposed to be studied as per the terms of reference were not done satisfactorily.
The committee has directed Technopark to submit a list of 20 additional documents.
In addition to permission from the revenue department for the conversion of paddy land, the committee has asked for a scientific plan for eco-restoration and maintenance of the two streams flowing through the area with cost estimates and timeline for providing side protection and vegetative measures, revised stormwater management plan, plan for green belt development and avenue plantation using indigenous species of trees, plan for compensatory afforestation, including Miyawaki forest, considering the Kerala Municipal Building Rules and revised environment management framework.
As per the techno-economic feasibility report submitted by the project proponent, Technocity comes under the Phase-IV development of Technopark.