The dedicated Single Window Clearance Board (SWCB) set up for SmartCity project granted building permit for the first IT building on Monday.
The Board chaired by IT Principal Secretary P.H. Kurian held its meeting in the city.
The promoters are now free to undertake full-fledged construction works for its first phase once the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) issues the environment clearance. This is likely to be issued on or before the next meeting of SEIAA scheduled for August 23. SEIAA had already issued an in-principle clearance at its meeting held on July 19.
SmartCity (India) managing director Baju George said the company had received the formal communication from SEIAA, informing about the approval subject to the filing of an affidavit, which the company would be doing this week.
In a press release issued here, Abdullatif AlMulla, CEO of SmartCity Dubai and Chief Business Development Officer of Dubai Holding, which is the main promoter of SmartCity Kochi, welcomed the development from Dubai.
“I am glad that with the grant of building permit, all major regulatory requirements for the first building are obtained. I am thankful to all government departments and agencies for their speedy grant of all permits and approvals,” the release quoted him as saying.
Mr. AlMulla has instructed Mr. George to ensure that the first building is ready for fit out by the end of next year. Though a tough target considering the size and specifications of the building, it needs to be attained in view of the requirements from the various IT companies that the company had held talks with, Mr. AlMulla said.
The promoters have already begun developing land for the first building at the project site at Edachira near Kakkanad.
More than 130 trees are also being relocated from the site as part of the green construction methods being adopted. The first IT building of SmartCity, targeted to be one of the largest LEED Platinum rated IT building of India, is expected to be completed within 18-22 months at a cost of Rs.170 crore to 180 crore. The first phase also includes a bridge across the river Kadamprayar.
