In a recent development, the Kerala High Court has directed the state government to withdraw the current land acquisition notice for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project and to conduct a new Social Impact Assessment (SIA). This decision comes after several legal challenges and public concerns regarding the impact of the proposed airport on local communities and the environment.
Background
The Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project aims to enhance accessibility for pilgrims traveling to the Sabarimala temple and to boost tourism in the region. The initial land acquisition notice and SIA report were challenged by the Ayana Charitable Trust, which claimed ownership of the Cheruvally estate, the proposed site for the airport. The trust argued that the government’s acquisition process was illegal and that the existing SIA report failed to address several critical issues.
Court’s Decision
Justice Viju Abraham of the Kerala High Court issued an interim order halting the land acquisition process. The court mandated that the state government withdraw the current acquisition notice and conduct a fresh SIA to ensure a comprehensive and fair assessment of the project’s impact. This decision aims to address the deficiencies in the initial assessment and ensure that the rights of the affected communities are adequately protected (Devdiscourse, Asianet News).
Implications
The fresh SIA will involve a detailed analysis of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the airport project. The new assessment is expected to provide more accurate data and recommendations on how to mitigate adverse effects on the local population. The government has been instructed to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the new study, engaging with all stakeholders to gather their inputs and concerns (New Indian Express).