WEIGHING PROS AND CONS: Deputy Commissioner S. Selva Kumar at the public hearing held for the mega residential and commercial project proposed to come up at Yadavgiri, in Mysore on Monday. — Photo: M.A. Sriram

MYSORE: The Rs. 325-crore mega residential and commercial complex proposed by a private company on the premises of the now-closed-down Ideal Jawa factory in Yadavgiri drew overwhelming support at a public hearing held by Mysore Deputy Commissioner here on Monday.

It was held with regard to granting environmental clearance to the project.

Deputy Commissioner S. Selva Kumar, who presided over the hearing, concluded the proceedings saying that he would submit to the Centre a report on the statements made by the public.

He assured the gathering that he would instruct the project promoters — Shalom Voyagers Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai — to introduce eco-friendly measures so that residents of adjoining localities are not affected.

Nandakumar, a representative of Shalom Voyagers, explained the salient features of the project. As many as 1,450 apartments would come up on the 28-acre plot. Out of the 1.14 lakh sq.m. in the project, residential apartments would occupy about 78,000 sq.m. and the commercial complex 36,000 sq.m., he said.

Mr. Nandakumar said that the promoters had set aside 3.5 acres of land for roads and expansive green cover. The project would have a separate line for drinking water supply and a rainwater harvesting system. An underground drainage system would complement the solid waste treatment and waste water treatment plant. There would be adequate fire safety measures and a solar energy system, he said.

Many people said that the project would lead to economic growth of the city. "Such mega housing projects will encourage more Iinformation technology and biotechnology companies to come to Mysore and contribute to progress", said Manjunath, a city resident.

Some were of the opinion that the project would have a "multiplier" effect on the city's economy. Its potential to generate jobs would also improve, he said.

Vasu, former Mysore Mayor, said that the project would help the city raise more revenue by way of taxes. The project would contribute to development of the city, he said.

There were a few who wanted to express their opposition to the project, but they were shouted down by those who favoured it.

There was commotion when a few people tried to snatch the microphone from others. But, the police intervened and restored order.

A few said that such a large housing project in Yadavgiri would put pressure on traffic, and affect water and electricity supply in nearby areas. Many complained that they could not air their views owing to the chaos.

A public meeting held about two months ago to decide on according environmental clearance to the project was abandoned mid-way following a melee. About four platoons of policemen were deployed at the venue of the public hearing on Monday.

Environmental Officer B.M. Prakash; MUDA's Town Planning Officer Rangesh; Technical Officer of Forest and Environment Department Ashwathnarayan; senior geologist Narayanacharl Mysore City Corporation's Town Planning Deputy Director Kempaiah; and Deputy Commissioner of Mysore City Corporation Gurumurthy were present.

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