Kerala’s ambitious seaplane project might raise livelihoods but it surely raises environmental concerns

Kerala’s ambitious seaplane project might raise livelihoods but it surely raises environmental concerns

Sub : Env

Sec :Msc

Kerala Seaplane Project:

• The Kerala government’s seaplane project, aimed at enhancing domestic tourism under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, has drawn criticism from environmentalists, fishers, and opposition parties. While the project promises economic benefits, it faces challenges due to ecological concerns and social opposition.

Key Developments:

• A 17-seater amphibious aircraft successfully flew from Kochi to Mattupetty Dam, Idukki.
• Expected benefits include increased tourist arrivals, job creation, and better connectivity to remote areas.

Criticism and Opposition:

• Environmental Concerns:
  • Impact on Wildlife:
    • Mattupetty Dam is surrounded by forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
    • Wild elephants frequently traverse the reservoir, raising fears of disrupted wildlife routes and increased human-animal conflicts.
    • The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) highlighted risks to endangered wildlife like elephants.
  • Ecological Impact:
    • Noise and water pollution could harm sensitive ecosystems, especially in forest reservoirs.
    • Critics argue trial runs were conducted without necessary environmental studies, violating Supreme Court directives.
  • Fishers worry about disruptions to fishing activities, especially in areas like Vembanad and Ashtamudi Lakes.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme

• Launched by the Government of India in 2016, the UDAN scheme aims to enhance regional connectivity and make air travel affordable for the common citizen.
• It is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy and focuses on linking underserved and unserved airports with larger cities to boost economic development and tourism.

Key Features:

• Affordable Airfares:
  • Ticket prices are capped at ₹2,500 per hour of flight for select routes.
• Subsidies and Financial Support:
  • The government provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airlines to cover operational losses on less-profitable routes.
  • Funds for VGF are shared between the central and state governments.
• Development of Airports:
  • Revitalises underused and non-operational airports by improving infrastructure.
  • Focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities for inclusive growth.
• Route Allocation:
  • Routes are awarded through a competitive bidding process for airlines.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
  • Encourages private participation in airport operations and development.

Phases of Implementation

• UDAN 1.0 (2017):
  • Focused on connecting unserved and underserved airports.
  • 27 proposals were awarded, covering 31 underserved and unserved airports.
• UDAN 2.0 (2018):
  • Expanded to include heliports and water aerodromes for increased regional connectivity.
• UDAN 3.0 (2019):
  • Focused on international connectivity from regional hubs.
• UDAN 4.0 (2020):
  • Prioritised routes in northeastern and hilly regions for better inclusivity.

Achievements:

• Over 400 routes have been operationalized under the scheme, connecting 66 underserved airports and water aerodromes.
• Boosted domestic tourism and economic growth in remote areas.
• Increased participation of private airlines in regional aviation.

Source: DTE