Kerala government to implement Sabarimala airport project
Despite the queries raised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on the planned airport project at Sabarimala, the government will execute the project.
The government began preparations for the site survey, and a drone survey of Cheruvally estate has been allotted for the project. On September 8, a review meeting held by CM Pinarayi Vijayan had evaluated the project, reviewed its status and the measures that need to be taken promptly to expedite its execution. Quoting the views of the director general of civil aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of civil aviation had asked for some clarifications from the government regarding the application for project approval. A decision was taken during the CM’s review to provide a reply in this regard. Ministry of defence approval is anticipated soon since the Indian Air Force (IAF) has conveyed that it has no problem giving site permission. But, a social impact assessment study, soil test could not be conducted because of pending litigations on ownership of the designated land. Whatever MoCA stated in the letter quoting DGCA’s report is part of routine administrative communication. The letter itself shows that despite the guidelines on greenfield airports that the planned airport may not meet, the project still can be approved by the government. The proposed site will need a considerable amount of preparatory work to make it suitable for the project. According to the environmental impact assessment report provided by the consultant Louis Berger Consulting Pvt Ltd, a preliminary analysis of the site topography shows that the current elevation ranges from 40 m to 170 m, while the current average mean elevation is about 112 m. The observed site is challenging in terms of grading requirements since there is a vast difference between maximum and minimum elevation. The fundamental part of the project site is at a higher elevation, while the boundaries are at a lower elevation. Current topography comprises moderately-high to steep slopes in a considerable area of the project site. The consultant told the media that it has been assessed that 130 structures and five common property resources will be affected (approximately), comprising a temple, a church, a mosque and a hospital. The airport, which is considered to have 800 passengers by 2029-30 and 1,850 passengers during peak hours by 2049-50, is likely to break even only in 60 years. It raises many questions about the economic viability of the project. Image SourceAlso read: DCGA issues Aerodrome license to IRB Sindhudurg Airport
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