Navi Mumbai eco concerns too serious, says Ramesh
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COMMENTS 
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has said there are serious environmental issues that need to be addressed before the Navi Mumbai airport plan can be cleared. And he remains firm about his decision not to allow private helipads in Mumbai
The environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed Navi Mumbai airport is likely to be submitted in a day or two, but there are serious concerns that the project will damage mangroves over nearly 2,000 hectares, besides necessitating the diversion of two rivers.
“It’s too premature to talk about its fate,” Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said, adding that the project would be taken up for discussion on July 21-22, 2010, by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the environment ministry; only then would its fate be decided.
“I am sure IIT-Mumbai, which has been asked to prepare the environment impact assessment report, would have looked into all the ecology-related issues,” he said. “The ministry is not against any infrastructure project. But there are serious ecological issues involved in this project. There is a threat to mangroves in the area. Two rivers would probably need to be diverted. All these have to be taken into account. Any decision would have to balance our developmental needs with concerns about the environment.”
The environment minister also remains firm about his decision not to allow private helipads in the city of Mumbai, saying they “violate” permissible noise limits.
“It’s a strict no-no for a new private helipad as they violate noise norms,” Ramesh said. “Only government-owned helipads for emergency services will be given clearance from my ministry.” The minister’s policy will be applicable only to new helipads.
Business magnates like Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and Oberoi Builders in Mumbai have all sought permission for the construction of helipads for private use.
Source: The Indian Express, July 7, 2010
The Hindustan Times, July 7, 2010