| Abstract: | Apollo Holdings Pvt. Ltd. proposes to develop a mixed-use residential and commercial
complex in Block C4-1 (Apollo Towers) in Hulumale. The Block is located on Fithuroanu
Magu on the north-western side of Hulhumale’. The total area of the plot is 27,700ft2. With a
setback, the total building footprint area will be 21,775ft2. Hence, a total of 5,925ft2 will be left
as open space within the plot. Upon completion of the proposed project, the complex will have
a total of 97 apartments in the two towers, comprising of 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom
apartment and penthouses. The T1 will have a total of 52 units and T2 will have a total of 45
units. The Ground Floor and First Floor of the complex will be developed as car and motorcycle
parking, multipurpose hall, gym and a kids play area.
This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) on 22 January 2017. It is a legal requirement under the Amended
EIA Regulation to prepare and approve EIAs for commercial, economic and development
projects enlisted in Schedule D. Environmental clearance is obtained through approval of the
EIA and issuance of EIA Decision Statement from EPA.
The Block C4-1 allocated for the development of Apollo Towers is located at 4°13'17.70"N /
73°32'22.44"E on the north-western side of Hulhumale’ on Fithroanu Magu
In order to understand existing environmental conditions of Block C4-1, assessments have been
undertaken including noise levels, traffic flow and volume, vegetation, soil, groundwater and
structural assessments.
The highest noise level was recorded at Site 3 located on the northern side of the project site
having 51dB. The main reason for the high noise levels at Site 3 was because occasional vehicle
movement and close to the construction site of the STO Hotel. The lowest noise level was
recorded from Site 4 and Site 6 having 42dB, which was located on either side of the proposed
plot. This site was empty and there is no activity happening close to the site. In front of the
project site, noise level recorded was 47dB as there is some traffic movement.
The highest traffic along the road recorded was from motorcycles having 32 during the hourly
period. The road is also a regular bus route and around 4 bus trips were recorded during the
EIA –Mixed Use Residential Complex in Block C4-1 (Apollo Towers),
Hulhumale’, January 2017
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same hour. The second highest traffic volume is from cars, mainly taxis having an hourly
movement of 22 at the time of the assessment.
There is no vegetation found inside the project boundary. However, some mature vegetation
primarily consisting of Beefwood (Grevillea spp), which has been planted along the roadside
are found. These plants are outside of the proposed plot, hence, there is no requirement for
removing these vegetation.
There are currently no buildings adjacent to the proposed plot, however, some buildings similar
to the proposed project is planned to be undertaken within the vicinity. Also, about 150m south
of the proposed project, a site is getting ready for construction. A temporary facility and some
materials are already in place.
Only one road is currently found by the project area, which is found in front. The physical
condition of the road is good. No damages and cracks have been observed.
The environmental impacts that may be associated with the proposed project are predicted and
assumed in the EIA Report. These environmental impacts are divided into construction phase
and operation phase environmental impacts. Most of the construction phase environmental
impacts are believed to occur from excavation, dewatering, construction activities, operation
of construction machinery and vehicles and construction waste disposal. The main
environmental impacts believed to occur during operation phase of the project include
household waste and increased traffic within and around areas.
As part of the proposed project, a number of mitigation measures have been proposed in the
EIA Report including using corrugated sheets supported by iron beams as a safety measure for
protecting the excavated area for foundation, dewatering will be undertaken in opens spaces in
Hulhumale to reduce loss of ground water, while preparing the site ready for construction,
measures such as installation of safety and dust protection nets, appropriate signage will be
placed to make aware people on the development. Also, important mitigation measures that
will be implemented include complete elimination of waste disposal during construction and
operation stages of the development into the project boundaries as well as promotion of a
greener lifestyle have identified important aspects of the proposed development.
EIA –Mixed Use Residential Complex in Block C4-1 (Apollo Towers),
Hulhumale’, January 2017
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The overall environmental performance will be monitored by an environmental monitoring
framework that will be implemented as part of the proposed development of the mixed use
residential complex.
Although during construction of the project, negative environmental impacts from construction
activities have been envisaged, with appropriate environmental management and mitigation
measures, these impacts will be reduced to a considerable level. Also, with positive socioeconomic
outlook of the project and considering the overall importance of such a development
in Hulhumale’ to alleviate housing stress, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as
planned. |
