Project that will benefit Kerala's tourism sector; 10 months since test flight; Seaplane still sleeping in file

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The seaplane project is still on file, even after 10 months since the test flight. The seaplane, which will enable major development in Kerala's tourism sector, flew from Bolgatty Palace in Kochi to Mattupetty Dam on November 11 last year. However, the forest department opposed the project since the areas including Mattupetty Dam fall within the limits of the wildlife-rich area.

The test flight was carried out by a De Havilland Canada aircraft under the central government's UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme.

The first phase was to set up waterdromes connecting four airports and major water bodies. In the next phase, waterdromes will be set up in Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, Bekal, etc. Apart from tourism, it was also considered to be used for medical purposes and for VIPs and officials in times of need.

Disturbance to wildlife

The Forest Department opposed the project, citing that the noise of the aircraft would disturb the wildlife. Although it is a project for tourism development, permission from the State Wildlife Board and the Central Wildlife Board must be obtained. The project recommendation for this has been given to the Forest Department. However, the Forest Department officials said that an impact study should be conducted and a report should be submitted. Meanwhile, the tourism authorities said that the process of seeking permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation for the seaplane is ongoing.

Seaplane

Seaplanes are amphibious aircraft that can land and take off on land and water. They can carry nine people. Takeoff and landing will be done over water.