In a major boost to the Navi Mumbai airport project, the forest department is planning to declare the Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Panvel a non-eco sensitive zone, making the clearance process for the proposed airport easier.
As per the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared by City and Industrial Developme-nt Corporation (Cidco), the proposed airport falls within the 10 km-buffer zone of the sanctuary. If the
sanctuary falls within the eco-sensitive belt, Cidco would require a clearance from the State Wildlife Board, only delaying the clearance process further.
However, according to a state forest department official involved in the project, the principal conservator forests had sent a recommendation circular last year that the Karnala Bird Sanctuary does not warrant to be declared as eco-sensitive. “Based on this, authorities are trying to exempt the airport project,” the official said.
Deputy conservator of forests (Alibaug Division) Anwar Ahmed confirmed the development, but said that nothing has been finalised as yet.
“We will have to talk to all parties involved to take a final call,” he said.
When contacted, urban development department secretary T.C. Benjamin refused to comment.