Decision on Cochin airport SEZ deferred

The government has deferred decision of the proposal of Cochin International Airport for setting up sector-specific special economic zone (SEZ), following complaints against the developer about discharge of effluents.

"The Board of Approval (an inter-Ministerial body headed by Commerce Secretary) noted that there were complaints about discharge of effluents by the Cochin International Airport. The issue has been taken up with the Kerala government," an official said.

The proposal would be taken up only after the state government sends its response, he said.

Cochin International Airport had approached the board seeking approval for SEZ on over 100 acre in Ernakulum. The developer is in possession of the land and the state government has given its nod for the project.

 

Meanwhile, the BoA also deferred decisions on request of Deccan Infrastructure & Land Holdings to set up two IT\ITeS tax free zones in Andhra Pradesh.

It noted that the developer has been issued 14 approvals so far but there has been virtually no progress.

"It is preferable that the progress of existing approvals be ascertained before further approvals are accorded," the official said.