09-12-21 Daily-Kerala-KPSC Current Affairs

The government has completed the drone survey in Cheruvally Estate, identified as the proposed site for the upcomingSabarimalaairport project.
The survey by the consultant Louis Berger Consulting Private Limited, covered 1,450 hectares, including the proposed location for the project.

The techno economic feasibility and Social Impact Assessment reports for the project initiated in 2017 were conducted by the same consultant have been submitted to the Centre. The government has also appointed KSIDC as the nodal agency for implementing the project.
After the reports were submitted by the state to the ministry of civil aviation, it had raised certain queries regarding the project. Quoting the observations of the director general of civil aviation, the ministry of civil aviation had sought certain clarifications from the government while considering the application for project clearance. The government has submitted clarifications to the Centre and the nod is expected soon.

It has also been estimated that 130 structures and five common property Resources (approximately) will be impacted, including a church, a temple, a mosque and a hospital. The airport which is estimated to have 800 passengers during peak hour by 2029-30 and 1,850 passengers during peak hour by 2049-50 is expected to break even only in 60 years, said the consultant. This raises several questions on the economic viability of the project.