Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Wednesday the government would go ahead with the proposed greenfield airport at Aranmula despite protests from a section of people.
Replying to questions on the controversy related to the project, Chandy said the previous V.S. Achuthanandan government had given all clearances for the project. “They sanctioned four times more than the required land for the project which was later denotified by us. After giving all clearances, there is no point in opposing the project now,’’ he added.
The government would permit more land acquisition only for the runway works and other projects associated with the airport. The company will not be allowed to acquire land for any other purpose, he added.
While denying the charge that the government had given the green signal to the project against the wishes of the local people and environmentalists, he said, “we have not received any complaint against the project from the locals.’’
Meanwhile, the government released the copies of the letter written by Aranmula MLA K.C. Rajagopal on October 10, 2010 to the then Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan seeking directions for the transfer of land. On the same letter, Achuthanandan directed the Collector: “Initiate immediate action for transferring land so as to start the construction activities, and report.”
The KGS Aranmula airport, which is tipped to be the country's first low-cost private international airport, is being set up at a cost of Rs 2000 crore. The airport spread over 700 acres is expected to be ready for commercial operations within two years.
The project originated during the reign of the Achuthanandan government which had declared the area as industrial zone besides giving clearance for largescale land acquisition, including levelling of paddy fields. But later, the LDF did a volte face and opposed the project in the face of protests .
