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KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

'Seaplane Project is Viable' – Expert Committee

Kerala Tourism's seaplane project will not harm environment and fisheries, says the expert committee appointed by Kerala government to study the impact of seaplane operation on inland water bodies. The committee headed by Mr. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism has submitted its report to the Chief Minister of Kerala.

As per the report, the committee has recommended the introduction of seaplane services over Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, which would be environmentally safe and would not adversely affect the fish production. The report further says that the core area needed for the actual take-off and landing of seaplane is insignificantly small when compared to the vastness of the water body and the wave turbulence experienced during landing and take off is too minimal. Being the case, fishing activities will not be affected. The turbulence caused while taking off is lesser than what is created by a speed boat.

The report also suggests shifting of the waterdrome at Punnamada; an active fishing area to Vattakayal near Kainakari. As Vattakayal is almost cut off from the main Vembanad Lake it is an ideal location, since it does not serve as a major fishing ground.

Seaplane operation will not cause any pollution as was evident from the significant physiochemical and biological parameters observed in water and soil. Programmes like open water cage farming, improving inland fish wealth of the backwaters and fish wealth augmentation programs will be promoted. These programmes will improve the livelihood security and employment opportunities of the inland fishing community.

Dr. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Dr. K.G. Padmakumar, Former Associate Director of Research, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom,  Dr. Madhu K., Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Dr. K. S. Purushan, Former Dean, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Sri. Anil Kumar S., Managing Director, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd., were the members of the Expert Committee.

For more details log on to: http://www.ktil.in/pdfs/final-report-website.pdf