Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Saturday put a dampener on the proposed second airport for the city in Navi Mumbai, claiming that the changes required for constructing the airport could have serious environmental repercussions.
The minister, while emphasising the need for a second airport in Mumbai, made it clear that the airport wouldn’t get the Centre’s nod, unless environment issues were resolved.
“I have been singled out as if I were stalling the development of Mumbai. But that is wrong… I have no problem with the site, but I cannot in good conscience ignore the environment factors,” Mr Ramesh.
According to the minister, there are three major issues with the present site, of which the diversion of two rivers was the most serious one. “I would rate the problem ten out of a scale of ten. We have seen the dangers of Mithi river overflowing. In case of flooding, what will happen to Panvel?” Mr Ramesh said.
The second and third issues are the loss of 400 acres of mangroves needed for constructing the airport and the blasting of a 80 metre-hill. “Though some say that the mangroves are of poor quality and the hill is not an issue, these problems still need to be dealt with,” Mr Ramesh said. The minister said the Coastal Regulation Zone rule of 1991 (CRZ 91) does not allow construction of an airport in Navi Mumbai. However, in accordance with the 2001 amendment of CRZ 91, development activity is permissible subject to neutralisation measures been undertaken, Mr Ramesh said.
Further, the minister said that the environment impact assessment conducted for CIDCO by IIT-Bombay has been submitted to his ministry in July 2010. The four volume report will be discussed within a month, after which an assessment on the environment threat caused by the new airport, will be made, said Mr Ramesh.
The minister also said that three MPs from Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Palghar have proposed a new airport site in Kalyan. “All their papers have been sent to the Environment Action Committee, which will have a meeting on August 18,” he said.