State optimistic: addressed most Navi Mumbai issues

The proposed airport in Navi Mumbai appeared to inch closer towards environmental clearance today.

The proposed airport in Navi Mumbai appeared to inch closer towards environmental clearance today with the state accepting a Central teams suggestion not to divert the Gadhi river and agreeing to shift non-aeronautical aspects south of the site.

An urban department official said the state could not,however,accept the suggestion not to divert the Ulwe river. This would require raising the runways 2.3 metres higher and maintaining the level all through,and building a bridge across the river,which would raise the project cost by Rs 4,000 crore.

The official said they raised this a meeting today with the Environment Ministrys expert appraisal committee (EAC). The EAC members said there would be no further meetings on the project and the official called it a positive indication. The team had visited the site Wednesday.

We have more or less accepted the suggestions on letting the Gadhi retain its course and shifting the non- aeronautical aspects from Waghivali village (in the sites north) to the south, an urban development department official said.

The Waghivali village would remain a lagoon and mangroves would be replanted,he added. The village is part of the north where the state initially planned non-aeronautical aspects; these will shift without a compromise on the aeronautical aspects.

The Gadhi diversion had been a key concern for the river. The state plans to avoid that by reducing the gap between runways from 1.8 km to 1.5 km; it is also thinking of lining the banks to ensure the river does not change course.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said the project would secure final environment clearance in a month and they would try to put the first phase in operation by 2014-15.

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