The Kerala government’s proposal to develop the Rs 3,411-crore greenfield Sabarimala International Airport in Kottayam district has been recommended by a panel of the Union environment ministry to give standard terms of conditions (ToR) for airports. The ToR was recommended by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the ministry, which met in New Delhi last month. Official sources said this would enable the project proponent, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) Ltd, to provide a framework and structure for the project besides planning and designing the Impact Assessment (EIA).
The airport is proposed to be set up on about 2,570 acres of land at Erumeli in Kottayam district, commonly known as Cheruvally Estate. “The EAC observed that the proposed site appeared to be the best option among the sites examined and recommended a proposal for grant of standard ToR for airports,” said a source. The project is expected to provide employment to 600 people in the operational phase.
During its presentation, KSIDC and its consultant made a detailed presentation before the EAC of three alternative sites considered for developing the project, primarily to serve the pilgrims of the famous Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and provide incentives. was made for. Tourism and local economies of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The proponent also informed the EAC that the project site is outside the Eco Sensitive Area (ESA) of the Western Ghats and submitted a certificate to this effect from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Environment), Government of Kerala.
The ecologically sensitive area of Periyar Tiger Reserve falls outside the 10 kilometer radius of the proposed airport project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in April this year, welcomed the civil aviation ministry’s site clearance for the greenfield airport project in Kottayam and called it “big news for spiritual tourism”. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had informed KSIDC on April 13 about the approval of the site for the upcoming airport close to the famous Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.
The ministry also asked KSIDC to proceed with the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and send it along with an application for ‘in-principle’ approval for further necessary action.
Last month, a draft Social Impact Assessment of the land acquisition prepared for the project recommended compensation and mitigation of potential negative impacts of the proposed land acquisition from Erumeli South and Manimala villages in Kottayam district for the construction of the greenfield airport. It had found that acquisition of land for the airport could result in displacement of local communities, including farmers and other landowners, and lead to livelihood and social disruption, as well as potential loss of cultural heritage and traditions. Connected to affected communities.
The study further states that acquisition of land for the airport may result in loss of property rights of local communities. This can have significant social and economic implications, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable groups who may be less able to assert their rights. Taking this into account, the study looked into the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 and the 2015 rules made by Kerala in addition to the resettlement procedures issued by Kerala, in addition to the project affecting land owners. compensation is recommended. Department of Revenue in 2015 and 2017.
The proposed project requires 1039.8 hectares of land from Erumeli South and Manimala villages of Kanjirapalli taluk in Kottayam district, and the government proposes to acquire 916.27 hectares of land from Cheruvalli Estate and 123.53 hectares of land from Manimala and Erumeli South villages of Kanjirapalli taluk Have given. , The site is located near the proposed SH59 (Hill Highway), 50 km from Pamba, an important pilgrimage center closely associated with the Sabarimala temple, and 40 km from Kottayam city.
The location is close enough for easy connectivity to Pamba, but not close enough to ensure no disruption to the Sabarimala temple and its activities. KSIDC has stated that the geo-technical investigation carried out at the project site has confirmed that the site is suitable for setting up the airport. If commissioned, the project will be the fifth international airport in Kerala.
Following a competitive bidding process and approval from the government, KSIDC appointed Louis Berger Consulting Pvt Ltd as consultant to conduct the TEF study and EIA study for the project and to facilitate necessary clearances from the central government and other agencies for the project. Have done