Expert Panel Approves SIA Study Report for Sabarimala Airport

IN a significant development, the expert committee constituted to review the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study report for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport at Erumeli has approved the report, recommending urgent measures for the rehabilitation of the people impacted by the project.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kottayam

The committee chaired by Prathapan, former additional director at the Social Justice Department, submitted its report to the government on Tuesday.

The committee has pointed out that the financial and social benefits that the state will receive from the project outweigh the social impact of the project. The committee recommended a special package for the workers, currently employed in the Cheruvally Estate, which is set to be acquired for the project.

The committee observed that the workers, who have been labouring in the estate for five generations, will have to face hardships when they are relocated to other villages or towns. Hence, they should be given proper awareness and counselling.