Navi Mumbai only choice for new aiport, says Patel

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today reiterated that there was no alternative to Navi Mumbai for the proposed international airport near the city. He said that others sites, including Kalyan in Thane district and Rewas-Madva in Raigad district, were not suitable for setting up the proposed airport.

Patel, who attended a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on the rehabilitation of slums situated near the Mumbai airport, said his ministry could give approval for the Navi Mumbai site for the project. He hoped all issues would be addressed soon so that the implementation of the ambitious project began at the earliest.

Patel’s statement is crucial especially when Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh last week had categorically said that clearance for the proposed airport in Navi Mumbai would be given only after considering environment issues. He had cited three issues relating to diversion of two rivers, survival of mangroves currently situated on 160 hectare and blasting of a hill which is 80 metres above the sea level.

Besides, the timing of Patel’s statement is also significant as the state-run City and Industrial development Corporation (Cidco) made a fresh argument before the Expert Appraisal Committee relating to the airport in Navi Mumbai. Cidco has argued that diversion of Gadhi and Ulwe rivers was essential for the airport development and it can be done while protecting the environment. As far as mangroves were concerned, Cidco said it would be replanted on 350 hectare in the Dahanu taluka of Thane district.