KGS Aranmula International Airport Limited proposes to set up the airport in 700 hectares with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore. It is in the vicinity of the famous Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. Reliance ADAG group has a 15 per cent stake in the company.
Political parties, BJP and CPI (M), are strongly opposing the airport as the Aranmula area has been included in the UN World Heritage List. A major portion of the land required for the airport lies in the area’s paddy fields. Around 60 acres of paddy fields have already been acquired. The Hindu Aikya Vedi is also against the construction of the airport as it would pose a threat to the temple.
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Senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran said the government decision was unfortunate. BJP state president V Muraleedharan said his party would not allow the construction of the airport.
In September, an Environment Ministry panel had recommended clearance for developing the international private airport.
The expert appraisal committee (EAC) for building construction, coastal regulation zone, infrastructure development and miscellaneous projects recommended the proposal for clearance with conditions.
An estimated 500 acres of paddy field has to be converted for the proposed airport, claimed to be the first private international greenfield airport in India.
While KGS Aranmula International Airport Ltd has informed the ministry that the project would be developed at a cost of Rs 81.18 crore in Phase-I and Rs 125.44 crore for Phase-II, its website said the plan was for an airport covering about 700 acres of land, to be built at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore.
The KGS Group is promoted by K Kumaran, Gigi George (managing director) and PV Sanmugam. It proposed to commence airport operations by December 2015.