Panel from Environment Ministry approves Sabarimala airport TOR

21 Jun 2023 CW Team

The proposal for developing a greenfield Sabarimala international airport in Kottayam district, with a budget of Rs 34.11 billion, has received a positive response from the Union Environment Ministry panel. They recommended the grant of Standard Terms of Reference (TOR) for airports. It was the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the ministry that made this recommendation during their meeting in New Delhi last month. According to official sources, this recommendation will allow the project proponent, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), to plan and design an Impact Assessment (EIA) for the airport. Additionally, it will provide a format and structure for the project.

The proposed airport will occupy approximately 2,570 acres of land in Erumeli, Kottayam District, known as Cheruvally Estate. The EAC found this site to be the most suitable among the options considered and hence recommended it for the grant of Standard TOR for airports.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for 600 people. During their presentation to the EAC, the KSIDC and its consultant provided a detailed overview of the three alternative sites they had evaluated for the project. The airport primarily aims to serve the pilgrims of the renowned Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala and boost tourism and the local economies of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts.

The proponent informed the EAC that the chosen project site falls outside the Eco Sensitive Area (ESA) of the Western Ghats and presented a certificate from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Environment), Government of Kerala, to support this claim. Furthermore, the Ecologically Sensitive Zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve lies beyond the proposed airport project's 10 km radius.

Also read:
UP explores RapidX Corridor for Delhi-Noida Airport connectivity
NIAL reports completion of 47% of work on Noida airport

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..