Water Aerodromes for Andaman and Nicobar

Airports Authority of India (AAI) is seeking environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for three water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. First of its kind in the country, the AAI intends to develop ten water aerodromes beginning with the first three in Long Island, Swaraj Island and Shaheed Island with an investment of 50 crore and has sought clearance for preparing the Terms of References (ToR) separately for each airport. “It was recommended that ‘ToR’ along with Public Hearing prescribed by the Expert Appraisal Committee should be considered for preparation of EIA/EMP report for the above mentioned project in addition to all the relevant information as per the ‘Generic Structure of EIA’ given in Appendix III and IIIA in the EIA Notification, 2006,” an Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on its website. “The draft EIA/EMP report shall be submitted to the State Pollution Control Board for public hearing. The issues that emerge and response to the issues shall be incorporated in the EIA report,” it added. The incoming of tourists at proposed project locations will lead to increase in tourism and hotel business at local level. The proposed projects will contribute in increased level of social infrastructural facilities of the islands and provide more employment to local people. The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently said that it has invited bids for three un-served airports/airstrips in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and one under-served airport in Lakshadweep Island under the fourth round of the regional air connectivity scheme. Director General of Civil Aviation last year issued licensing norms for water aerodromes from where amphibian planes can operate.