THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
April 28, 2014
An expert committee set up to study “any probable
impact” of seaplane operations on inland fisheries has observed that
apprehensions about waterdromes at Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Munnar,
Bolgatty, and Bekal reducing the fishing area “are prima facie
unfounded.”
However, the committee recommended
measures for stock enhancement to increase yield if the waterdrome is to
be located in an active fishing area. Steps to involve fisherfolk in
responsible tourism initiatives too have been suggested.
The
committee, headed by Secretary, Tourism, Suman Billa, with
Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies B.
Madhusudhana Kurup; former Associate Professor, Regional Agricultural
Research Station, Kumarakom, K.G. Padmakumar; Principal Scientist,
CMFRI, K. Madhu; and Managing Director, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure
Limited (KTIL), Anil Kumar S, as members, was set up by the government
after the seaplane project failed to take off following opposition from
fisherfolk.
Because of protests by the fisherfolk
inside the waterdrome, the inaugural flight of the Cessna 206 H
amphibian aircraft from Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam was forced to return
without landing on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on June 2, 2013.
The
expert committee, in its interim report submitted to the government,
has noted that the resentment of the local fishermen “is not against
seaplane project per se, but is due to their apprehension that increased
tourism activities and urbanisation may cause resource depletion which
will further lower their livelihood prospects”.
KTIL,
the nodal agency of the project under Kerala Tourism, has been asked to
see that remedial action plan is implemented with the participation of
local fisherfolk under the guidance of the experts in open water cage
farming. Programmes for ecosystem surveillance, pollution abetment and
sustainable practices to enhance fisheries wealth have been recommended.
The
committee has suggested that the waterdrome be set up on Vattakayal,
which has less fishing activity, instead of Punnamada Lake. In other
locations shortlisted for operations, stock enhancement of fish has been
suggested. It is better to avoid locations close to bird sanctuaries
such as Kumarakom, the committee says. The project is structured with
minimum impact on environment and minimal adverse social impact, it has
observed. The landing area is 1.25 km long, and 250 metre wide in
waterbodies with a minimum depth of 1.2 metres.
In comparison
Maintenance
and refuelling of seaplanes are allowed only in regular airports. The
seaplane does not have toilets, thus avoiding any direct discharge into
the water. The waves created by the seaplane are weaker than those made
by an outboard engine-mounted speed boat. There will be no turbulence or
contamination due to gases produced in the waterbody due to propeller
movement.
Flight operations are conducted only during
daytime. Once the seaplane lifts off and till it alights, the
environmental impact is identical to any other aircraft. The noise level
of the seaplane takeoff is well below leisure watercraft like speed
boats and jet skis. During landing, they glide down the water without
creating any noise.
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