Field Survey for Sabarimala Greenfield Airport Completed by SIA.

The social impact assessment (SIA) field survey for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield airport in Kottayam has been completed. The survey focused on land acquisition across the Manimala and Erumely panchayats and is set to yield a draft report for the district collector by November 15.

Conducted by a 15-member team from the social work department of Bharat Mata College, Thirkkakkara, the survey commenced on October 9. This independent agency took over after a previous SIA by the Centre for Management Development was annulled following a court ruling.

The project requires approximately 1,039.876 hectares of land, including 916.27 hectares from the Cheruvalli estate and 121.876 hectares of private land. The construction will impact 221 families residing in the estate and an additional 362 families in surrounding areas, affecting a total of 1,441 residents and 875 plantation workers.

Following the draft report's publication, an adalat will be conducted for affected families to gather their views and suggestions, which will then be incorporated into the final report. This final document will be made public and reviewed by an expert committee before submission to the government.

ET