'De Havilland' in Kerala

The seaplane service is here, spreading the wings of tourism in Kerala. A seaplane is a specialized aircraft that can take off and land on water bodies. Seaplanes can wade through water like boats and can also morph into a flight in no time. Kerala, embellished by its large water bodies is expected to benefit largely from this introduction. Seaplane service in Kerala is started under the 'Udan' scheme launched by the central government.

A small 17-seater aircraft 'De Havilland' from Canada took off from the embankment near Bolgatty Palace in Kochi and went to Mattupetty Dam in Munnar during its successful test flight. People in Kerala are viewing seaplanes with a mix of curiosity and believe it is a novel discovery. However, in reality, we have been too late in acquiring such a beneficial tourist mode that has been in business in foreign countries for decades.

Seaplanes will never affect fishing in backwaters and lakes. The service will be available only during morning hours. Fishing in backwaters mostly happens during night hours. A seaplane service was inaugurated in 2013 when Oommen Chandy was the Chief Minister. However, due to strong opposition from CPM and the fisheries sector, the project was shelved.

Mostly, it was the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that stood as a roadblock to seaplane tourism. The civil aviation sector demanded that seaplanes comply with all regulations for normal aircraft. It took DGCA years to frame special rules for DGCA. It was due to DGCA’s strict restrictions that the first seaplane in Kerala was attached by a bank. Seabird Company is yet to clear its debt to the promoters. The DGCA finally relented after the central government took a policy to promote seaplane projects after many corporates showed interest in banking on the project.

DGCA’s dubious role in delaying the project by 11 years and trying tricks to make the investor land in penury with debts requires introspection. Some top bureaucrats in Kerala also stood against the project.

If found successful, seaplanes will be able to connect major water bodies and airports in Kerala. Service can also be provided to Lakshadweep. According to the feasibility survey, water domes can be installed at places like Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Kumarakom, Munnar, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, and Chandragiri River.

The government should be prepared to hold discussions with the concerned groups, including the fishermen, and convince them.