The Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended environmental clearance for the Chennai Airport Modernisation Project (Phase-II) that will cost ₹2,476- crore .
The decision was made following a detailed presentation of the project by the by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which involves demolition and reconstruction of an old domestic terminal (T2), an old international terminal (T3) and the re-construction of airside corridor, among other proposals. The modernisation programme would be implemented on the 1,301.28-acre campus and is expected to be completed in 42 months.
While recommending the project for environmental clearance, the committee laid down certain conditions: obtaining clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the AAI on issues related to safety and project facilities, and Consent to Operate from the TNPCB.
Rainwater harvesting
A detailed drainage plan for rainwater is to be drawn up, groundwater recharge is to be executed as prescribed, and noise from vehicles and equipment on-site should be kept within limits.
Strengthening the airport compound wall and resizing and re-routing of internal stormwater drains are also among the conditions. “The Adyar passing through the airport shall be protected without causing any disturbance to the flow and all the measures shall be carried out as per the recommendation of IIT-Madras,” one of the conditions stated.
A monitoring station for ambient air and noise levels would have to be provided in the village nearest to the airport and segregation of solid waste is to be within the norms of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. “An on-site disaster management plan shall be drawn up to account for risks and accidents,” the panel said.
Published - June 12, 2018 01:11 am IST
