Sabarimala airport: Environmental impact study started

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the assembly that the environmental impact study of Sabarimala airport will be completed within six months. The geotechnical study conducted in the project area has found the site to be suitable. KSIDC provided the information requested by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA and Airports Authority of India. The site clearance is expected to be received soon from the Ministry. The Chief Minister informed Mani C Kappan, PJ Joseph, Monce Joseph and Anoop Jacob that the airport will be built on 2570 acres in and near Cheruvally estate.

Further steps will be taken on the SilverLine project as soon as the central approval is received. The measures will be in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Adequate compensation and rehabilitation will be ensured to those who lose their land. The project will address the concerns and objections of the people in the area. The Chief Minister said that it is intended to take the loan on the condition that it can be repaid within 50 years and Kerala has informed the Centre that it will take the financial responsibility of the loan collection.