Question : Aranmula Airport Project

(a) whether the Government proposes to comply with the environmental protection laws while sanctioning airport projects;

(b) if so, whether the environmental protection laws have been strictly followed in the case of Aranmula airport project in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has issued sanction for Aranmula airport project, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any application is pending with the Government seeking environmental clearance for Aranmula Airport, if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to initiate action against the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with regard to Aranmula airport project, if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether any proposal is pending with the Government for Aranmula airport project and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a): Yes, Madam. As per the Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008, all the airport projects are required to comply with the environment protection laws prior to commencement of the construction work.

(b): The airport developer i.e. M/s KGS Aranmula International Airport Private Limited had obtained Environment Clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forest in November, 2013.

(c): Government of India (GoI) had granted ''in-principle'' approval to M/s KGS Arnamula Airport Private Limited for setting up of a Greenfield airport at Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district of Kerala for public use, subject to the conditions stipulated by Ministry of Defence , Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other Central Government agencies in 2012. However, subsequent to quashing of Environment Clearance by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 and the Hon''ble Supreme Court upholding the decision of NGT, the ''in principle'' approval was reviewed
and was withdrawn in May, 2015.

(d):The airport developer has applied before Ministry of Environment & Forest for fresh Environment Clearance.

(e): No, Madam.

(f):No Madam.