Environmental impact assessment : proposed development of 1120 housing units in Hulhumalé Pruksa-HDC Housing Pvt. Ltd., Maldives

Abstract

This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed new development of 1120 Housing apartments by Pruksa- HDC Housing Pvt. Ltd, Hulhumale’ Kaafu Atoll. The primary objective of the project is to provide social hosing needs to those applied for the apartments. The site for the proposed area is located at the heart of Hulhumalé where hospital, public buildings (cafes and restaurants) and main administration building are located. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using appropriate matrices and the results indicated that the proposed project had net positive impact. That is, the project has no major adverse impacts on the environment as far as current knowledge is concerned. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits mainly housing, ease of population congestion, improved health and employment, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed. Environmental monitoring recommended for the project includes the monitoring of groundwater quality and work related incidents and accidents during construction stage and water and energy consumption during construction and operational stage. Groundwater quality monitoring is a requirement under the Terms of Reference and has been included for both construction and operational phases. Noise levels and dust monitoring has not been considered relevant.