BJP in Kerala has said the Centre would not take a stand in favour of the proposed private International Airport at Aranmulla, which has run into trouble after environment groups and the locals opposed it. BJP state president Kummanom Rajasekharan, who was in the forefront of an agitation against the airport, said Union Environment and Forest Minister Anil Madhav Dave had informed him that the Expert Appraisal Committee recommendations to conduct a fresh environment study would be cancelled.
The Centre did not want a project rejected by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal, Rajasekharan said in a statement, quoting Dave. The project, promoted by KGS Group, had run into trouble when it was mooted nearly seven years ago with environment groups and people in the area holding that it would cause environmental hazards.
“The EAC has become committee to protect the interests of KGS group. Giving clearance for an environment study without hearing my complaint is quite a mystery,” he added. Rajasekharan also said the environment minister had assured him that no permission would be given and there was no change in Centre’s position that there was no need for an airport in Aranmula. Nick Easton Authentic Jersey