Puri greenfield airport plan hits green hurdle; panel defers nod.

The Odisha government's proposal to build a greenfield airport in Puri has encountered significant environmental hurdles, leading the Centre's Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) to once again defer approval for the project. The primary concerns raised include the proposed airport's proximity to critical habitats, including the nesting sites of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles and the habitat of the threatened Irrawaddy Dolphin, as well as the fragile coastal ecology.

The site in Brahmagiri, located near Puri, is also in close proximity to the INS Chilka naval base and falls within the Central Asian flyway, a key migratory route for birds. The FAC has recommended that the Ministry of Defence's views be sought before moving forward.

During a meeting on November 28, 2024, the FAC acknowledged serious concerns from the regional office of the Union environment ministry in Bhubaneswar. It has asked the state government to provide a detailed study on the habitats and migration routes of both the Olive Ridley turtles and the Irrawaddy Dolphins, stressing the need for a year-long monitoring period before an action plan for their protection is developed.

The Odisha government first brought the project to FAC for approval in June 2024. Since then, the state has requested permission from the Union environment ministry to utilize 27.88 hectares of forest land for the project, which will cover over 471 hectares and require the felling of more than 13,000 trees. The regional office raised concerns about the project not being presented as an integrated proposal, noting that a separate plan for a six-lane expressway along the coast has also been submitted for approval.

The state government argues that the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport to Puri, is nearing capacity and cannot expand. Therefore, the Puri airport project is seen as essential to improve regional air connectivity. However, the regional office has pointed out that the proposed site at Brahmagiri lacks proper connectivity to nearby cities, casting doubt on the viability of the location.

The FAC's decision to withhold approval underscores the importance of thoroughly assessing the environmental impact, particularly given the potential destruction of valuable bioshields and the risks posed by natural events such as cyclones and tidal influences.

ET