Krrish project now confronted with environmental issues

The Krrish square mixed development project tainted by scandalous financial deals is yet to get the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval to kick-start the project, informed sources said.

The Transworks building site at Colombo Fort leased by Delhi-based group Krrish is environmentally not suitable for a mega mixed develop- ment project, environmental experts have said. The Business Times learns that a leading environmental consultancy service which carried out a preliminary EIA has concluded that the site located in the heart of Colombo Fort was not feasible for such a mega project as it will create heavy vehicular traffic in peak hours and environmental pollution due to emissions and waste disposal. Recommendations made in the EIA report have not been followed by the investors, Environment Ministry sources said adding that EIA approval on drawings and building plans is essential before the test filling.

The EIA consultants have suggested a way out by changing the entrance to the proposed four tower building but it went unheeded, a top official of the company said.

The company, amidst many controversies, has been delaying the last few lease payments with the final one due.

Authoritative government sources said the president is to decide on the action against a prominent official accused of securing a pay-off in the project.