Andhra Government Clears Path for 7 Water Aerodromes, Including Vizag Project
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The Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given its approval to the Andhra Pradesh government to prepare Terms of Reference for the construction of seven water aerodromes across the state. This development marks the first step towards securing environmental clearance for the projects. The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd, the implementing agency, submitted proposals to the Ministry for constructing water aerodromes in Visakhapatnam, Jalaput Lake, Sileru - Lambasing, Srisailam, Kakinada, Prakasam Barrage, and Gandikota. The committee recommended the preparation of ToRs for all seven projects with certain conditions. The state government plans to conduct a public hearing within a month and will apply for environmental clearance based on the outcome. The EAC also noted that the project proponents must consult with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant authorities to ensure that the proposed activities do not interfere with or compromise defence-related operations. The approval comes after Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched a seaplane demo flight from Prakasam Barrage to Srisailam last year, showcasing the potential of water aerodromes. Water aerodromes are constructed at large water bodies, allowing aircraft to take off and land on water. The state government is also planning to construct three more water aerodromes at Konaseema, Araku, and Tirupati, and is identifying land for these projects. The Ministry's approval is a significant step towards realizing the state's vision for water aerodrome development.
