BANGALORE November 14, 2008: Karnataka Government on Thursday issued a notification asking the Karnataka Lokayukta to probe the approval given to a Mumbai-based private firm SKIL Infrastructure Limited to set up a multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nandagudi in Bangalore rural district by the previous coalition government led by former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

The Government has also asked the Lokayukta to probe into construction of the Garuda Mall, a joint-venture project with Maverick Holdings Ltd. in Bangalore during the S.M. Krishna Government.

The company proposed to establish multi-product SEZ with an investment of Rs. 17,909 crores on 18,507 acres in Nandagudi in Hoskote taluk.

The company has proposed to lay 8-lane elevated Expressway about 30 kms connecting the SEZ to the International airport at Devanahalli, Bangalore. The company has sought additional 3558 acres falling in Hoskote and Devanahalli taluks.

The Government in a notification here set the terms of reference for the probe which included whether Central Government’s SEZ norms have been followed while according approval, if any special facilities were extended, reasons for the same and is there any mal transaction involved while approving the project.

By the time, the Cabinet gave its approval on October 5, BJP had withdrawn its ministers from the coalition government led by Mr Kumaraswamy.

The company had proposed to set up “multi-product’ SEZ in Solur and Ramangar and to develop immediate ring road of 188 kms length around Bangalore with 8 lane including two servicing lanes on either side and provision for mono rail rail/metro rail in the median for Bangalore, with an investment of Rs. 11, 264 crore over a period of six years.

Our Correspondent