The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) attached to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted Terms of Reference (ToR) to KGS Aranmula International Airport Limited for conducting environmental impact assessment for the proposed Aranmula airport project.
As per the minutes of the EAC meeting held from June 24 to 26 in New Delhi, the decision was made on the basis of a point-wise clarification submitted by the KGS company to each objection raised by the Aranmula Heritage Village Action Council, a people’s action forum opposing the project.
The company submitted a 13-page clarification to the 17 objections raised by the action council in the backdrop of an EAC directive issued at its 147th meeting in May.
“On enquiry, it was stated by the project proponent (PP) that the Ministry of Defence has withdrawn in-principle approval for not obtaining the environment clearance. This is an issue which will need to be verified by the MoEFCC, being an inter-ministerial issue,” the minutes of the 149th EAC meeting chaired by chairman Anil Razdan says.
EAC minutes
The EAC minutes further stated that the “decision to grant ToR was subject to the following additional ToR and conditions: 1. There a natural rivulet is passing through the proposed runway. The PP (KGS) should submit design as said to ensure the uninterrupted flow of the water body. 2. All environmental and social issues raised will be adequately addressed in the EIA / EMP reports. 3. All issues related to public concern which have been raised would be addressed during the public hearing. 4. The Ministry of Defence has withdrawn in-principle approval. The PP to provide fresh consent of the Ministry of Defence before proceeding further. The MoEFCC also verify the reasons for withdrawal before grant of ToR.’’
SGS to conduct study
The KGS company has already clarified that SGS India, a leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, will be conducting the environment impact assessment in Aranmula.
According to company managing director Gigi George, the project proposal is to construct an international airport on 500 acres at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district, which is known as the pilgrimage capital of Kerala, at an estimated cost of Rs.2,000 crore in two phases.
Decision made on the basis of a point-wise clarification submitted by the company
