India to build first three water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar

January 06, 2020: Airports Authority of India (AAI) intends to develop water aerodromes in Long Island, Swaraj Island and Shaheed Dweep with a total investment of Rs 50 crore. AAI is in the process of seeking environmental clearance from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change for the three, first-of-its-kind in the country, water aerodromes in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

These airports are part of the ten water aerodromes that the Centre intends to develop. “It was recommended that 'Terms of References’ (ToR) along with public hearing prescribed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (Infrastructure-2) should be considered for the preparation of environmental impact assessment (EIA)/ environmental management plan (EMP) report for the above mentioned project in addition to all the relevant information as per the 'Generic Structure of EIA' given in Appendix III and IIIA in the EIA Notification, 2006,” an expert appraisal committee (EAC) under the ministry said on its website.

“The draft EIA/EMP report shall be submitted to the State Pollution Control Board for the public hearing. The issues emerged and response to the issues shall be incorporated in the EIA report,” it added.

Establishment of water aerodromes will contribute to an increase in the level of current social infrastructural facilities of the islands, the EAC said.

The civil aviation ministry recently said it has invited bids for three unserved airports/airstrips in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and one underserved airport in Lakshadweep Island under the fourth round of the regional air connectivity scheme.

Director General of Civil Aviation last year issued licensing norms for water aerodromes, where amphibian planes can land and takeoff.