Major hurdle crossed; hope for Sabarimala airport

KOTTAYAM: With the approval of the Union Ministry of Aviation, the major milestone in the Sabarimala airport project, the hopes of the airport becoming a reality is taking off. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given site clearance after accepting various inspection reports that Cheruvally Estate and its surroundings are suitable for an airport.

On December 31, the state government had decided to acquire 2,570 acres of land from Erumeli South and Manimala villages, including Cheruvally Estate, for the airport. Of this, the social impact study of 307 acres of private land outside the estate will be completed in June. The land outside the estate is being acquired for the runway and other facilities of the green field airport, which is being built with a public-private partnership on the model of Kochi and Kannur airports. Since the site clearance is obtained, now it is possible to apply for the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Finance.

Further steps

• Environmental, social, technical, and economic impact studies.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) should be prepared.
• CIAL, KIAL model company should be registered.
• Investment mobilization, and construction by calling tenders.

Legal tangle

The case between the occupiers, the Believers Church, and the government, regarding the ownership of the estate land is ongoing in the Pala Court. The Believers Church has obtained permission to pay land tax through the High Court order. Local residents have also approached the High Court against the acquisition of private land.

• 3,500-meter runway
• 2,570 acres of land

Multiple benefits

Very useful for Sabarimala pilgrims. Travel to Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki districts will become easier. Potential for pilgrimage tourism and export of spices.

"The critical approval for the project's further work has been received. The most important thing now is the approval of the Ministry of Environment.

-Anto Anthony, MP