Not against second airport, says Ramesh

Mumbai: Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said that he is not against a second airport for Mumbai in Panvel, but was concerned about the ecological damage the site might have on the surrounding areas. "I am not against the development of the commercial capital of India.
Mumbai does require a second airport at the earliest, but I am very clear in my mind that the present site selected by City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has major environmental concerns," Ramesh said.
"Around 400 acres of mangrove cover is like to be destroyed. Moreover, two rivers will have to be diverted and an 80-metre hill flattened if the airport comes up at the current site," Ramesh added.
Ramesh said that on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the highest, diversion of two rivers - Gadhi and Ulwe - is a point-10 concern.
14/08/10 Indo-Asian News Service/Hindustan Times

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Categories: airports aug 2010, New Aug 2010