The environmental clearance (EC) for the proposed expansion of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has been granted by the State Expert Appraisal Committee-1 (SEAC-1), subject to strict conditions, clearing the way for the proposed ₹8,707-crore project.

Recommending an integrated EC along with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for a period of 10 years, the SEAC directed the airport authorities to ensure that stormwater run-off is routed through properly designed oil-water separators and silt traps before being discharged into the adjacent Parvathy Puthanar canal, to prevent contamination of the waterway.

Dedicated green area

The committee also directed that a dedicated green area of two hectares be maintained in accordance with the project’s Landscape Master Plan. Of the approximately 280 trees likely to be affected by the expansion, timber-yielding species should be prioritised for transplantation, the SEAC said.

In reply to a clarification sought by the SEAC, the project proponent informed the committee that excavated material generated during construction would be stored within the project site and utilised to the maximum extent possible for in-situ requirements, including land-level raising, backfilling and other construction-related activities. The committe had earlier noted that the initial corporate environmental responsibility (CER) plan submitted was unsatisfactory and directed the airport authorities to clarify earth excavation requirements and submit a revised CER.

If excavated material needs to be transported outside the site, the project authorities will follow the procedures prescribed by the relevant authorities and agencies. The same procedures will apply to any external sourcing of construction material, although the project will prioritise the optimal use of material excavated within the site.

To increase capacity

The proposed expansion, estimated to cost ₹8,707 crore, is designed to increase the airport’s passenger-handling capacity to 27 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and its cargo-handling capacity to 0.42 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The project will include terminal redevelopment, a new cargo complex, upgraded aprons and taxiways, and the integration of sustainable, best-in-class digital infrastructure to enhance the passenger experience.

In addition to the existing 248.29 hectares, the project also requires 6.88 hectares of additional land to meet Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) safety requirements and improve airside and landside operations.

As part of the measures to mitigate environmental impacts, the airport authorities have committed ₹84.45 crore as capital expenditure and ₹4.08 crore as an annual recurring allocation under the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). A further ₹21.765 crore has been earmarked for Corporate Environmental Responsibility initiatives covering 33 local villages. These measures are aimed at addressing community concerns related to land acquisition, canal pollution, tree cutting and local employment.

The decision to grant the EC was taken at the 217th meeting of SEAC-1, chaired by Anirud Kumar Dharni, Chairman, SEAC-1 (South Zone), Keralam. The project also requires clearance by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), a body constituted by the Union government, authorised to deal with environmental clearance for projects falling under category “B” of the schedule in EIA notifications 2006, before starting the tendering procedures.