Kerala Govt notifies land for Sabarimala Airport

The Kerala government has announced its intention to acquire land for the construction of the Sabarimala Greenfield airport, aiming to promote tourism and facilitate pilgrimages to the hill-top shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Pathanamthitta district. In a notification issued on March 13, it was stated that 441 parcels of land are slated for acquisition for the airport project, with objections being invited from interested parties. The state government has emphasized that the Sabarimala airport will enhance convenience for pilgrims visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, boost tourism, and stimulate the local economy. Additionally, officials have highlighted the potential for the airport to facilitate international travel for locals once operational. Clearances for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project, including site and defence clearance, have been granted by the Central government. The application for security clearance is currently under review by the Ministry of Home Affairs, as disclosed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a session of the state Assembly in February. Vijayan also mentioned the completion of an environmental impact study report and the submission of recommendations by a seven-member expert committee tasked with assessing the Social Impact Assessment study report prepared by the Centre for Management Development (CMD). Following these recommendations, the process of acquiring approximately 2,570 acres of land for airport construction has commenced, Vijayan stated. The Kerala government had issued an order in December of the previous year to proceed with the acquisition of 2,570 acres of land in Kottayam district for this ambitious project.