: The government has decided to begin seaplane operations during the forthcoming Onam and has given the nod to shift the waterdrome from Punnamada Lake to Vattakayal, which has less fishing activity, to quell opposition from the fishing community.
The decision to shift the waterdrome from Punnamada Lake to Vembanad Lake has been taken on the basis of the recommendation of an expert committee headed by Tourism Secretary Suman Billa which looked into “any probable impact” of seaplane operations on inland fisheries and the apprehensions of the fishing community.
Owing to protest by the fisherfolk inside the waterdrome, the inaugural flight of the Cessna 206 H amphibian aircraft from Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam had to return without landing on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on June 2, 2013. Vattakayal, near Kainakiri, has no regular fishing activities and is not on the main stretch of the lake. The committee suggested the shifting of the waterdrome to Vattakayal taking into account this factor.
Funds allotted
Official sources told The Hindu that a sum of Rs.29 lakh had been sanctioned by the government to shift the waterdrome and ensure direct supply of electricity and water to the two waterdromes and to set up communication facilities.
The nod, after the clearance of the working group, is on the basis of a proposal given by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL), which has been entrusted with the creation of infrastructure development for seaplane operations in the State.
Anil Kumar S., Managing Director, KTIL, said the floating waterdrome on Punnamada Lake will be towed and shifted to Vattakayal. The work will take two to three days. Already two or three operators have evinced interest in commencing operations, the KTIL Managing Director said. To woo seaplane operators, the government has decided to give further incentives to those coming forward. The government is considering giving incentives for the first two operators coming forward.
Official sources said this would include tax concessions on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and writing off four seats if the operator is not able to get adequate load. An order to this effect is to be issued on the basis of the Cabinet decision to commence operations.
Earlier site was Punnamada Lake
Vattakayal has no fishing activity
