Govt proposes airports in coastal areas on ‘case-by-case’ basis

New Delhi: India is considering allowing construction of new airports, including those located in the so-called special economic zones in coastal areas on a “case-by-case” basis, provided the projects do not compromise “environmental considerations”.
In its statement of intent, put out in the form of a draft notification issued on 9 May by the ministry of environment and forests, or MoEF, and titled the coastal management zone (CMZ) notification, the government has spelt out that clearance for such airport projects would be based on “detailed scientific study incorporating adequate environmental safeguard measures required for neutralizing damage to the coastal environment”.
It has given 60 days for the public to file its objections. After this, the government will convene a meeting to take into account the public’s response before going ahead and formally notifying the new law.
The 9 May notification follows draft guidelines on coastal management zones issued by MoEF for public discussion on 1 May.
13/05/08 Chetan Chauhan/Livemint

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Categories: Airports May 2008