Question : AIRPORTS PROJECTS

(a) whether the Greenfield Airports Policy envisages aerial distance of 150 km between two civilian airports and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether any exemption of aerial distance has been granted for upcoming Greenfield Airport project and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to amend the rules regarding the mandatory distance between two airports and if so, the details and the present status thereof; and

(d) the time by which the said rules are likely to be amended by the Government?

Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)

(a), (b), (c) and (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement in reply to parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Lok Sabha Starred () Question No. 280 for 16.03.2015 regarding Airports Projects.

(a): Yes, Madam. As per the Greenfield Airport Policy, no greenfield airport would be allowed within an aerial distance of 150 Km of an existing civilian airport. However, in case a greenfield airport is proposed to be set up within 150 Km of an existing civilian airport, the impact on the existing airport would be examined and such cases would be decided by the Government on a case to case basis.

(b): Yes, Madam. Government of India has granted `in-principle` approval for setting up of Greenfield airports at Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Karaikal in Puducherry, Hassan in Karnataka and Aranmula in Kerala on the basis of impact assessments carried out individually. However, in case of Aranmula airport project, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has set aside the environment clearance granted to the project and the same has been upheld by the Hon`ble Supreme Court. Hence, the clearance is not operational.

(c): No Madam.

(d): Does not arise.