Expansion plans cleared for three airports

In view of increased domestic air travel, a central panel has given the nod for expansion and modernisation of airports at Jalgaon, Hyderabad and Jaisalmer.

While giving nod to the expansion projects, an Expert Appraisal Committee of the Environment Ministry in a meeting last month had asked all the project proponents to incorporate the features of local architecture in and around the areas of the terminal building of the respective states, officials said on Monday.

At Jalgaon Airport, Maharashtra Airport Development Company has proposed augmentation of infrastructure including the runaway in 303 hectares of area besides various amenities. GMR Hyderabad International Airport has proposed expansion of some activities within the airport at Hyderabad.

GHIAL has obtained environmental clearance and consent for cargo handling capacity of 1,00,000 tonnes per annum within an area of 5,494 acres, they said.

In Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Airport Authority of India has planned to construct one more terminal at the cost of Rs 810 million (Rs 81 crore) on the east side of the existing airport and involves construction of a new air terminal building, apron and taxi track for the new civil enclave spread over 24 hectares.

All the recommendations of Environment Impact Assessment, Environment Management Plan and disaster management plan shall be strictly complied with, the EAC said while giving its nod for the projects.