Aranmula Airport: Landowner claims UDF approval; opposes Kummanam 

PATHANAMTHITTA: Abraham Kalamannil has high hopes on the implementation of the Aranmula airport. He expects the project to become a reality. Abraham, the landowner of the Aranmula airport project area and the president of the Aranmula Charitable Trust, conducted a drone survey at the site again. He also said that a government-approved survey can be conducted if necessary.

'I have 400 acres. A private company will come again for the survey. If another thousand acres are received, the project will become a reality. The UDF government is taking a positive stand over the project. Abin Varkey MLA and Anto Antony MP are with the project. If the project is submitted, the surplus land will be freed. With that, the case in the high court will end,' said Kalamannil.

Meantime, senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan came forward responding to the drone survey conducted in the project area. He responded that the new move for the airport is mysterious. Kummanam said the goal is land trade and that permission for the airport in Aranmula will never be granted. He also opined that the feasibility of the project should be examined in other places including Kodumon.

Don’t intimidate people in the name of a new government. The BJP will intensify protest, said Kummanam. Abin Varkey is not saying this after studying the issues in the area. The land in Aranmula is not one that can withstand any construction. Aranmula has become a place where water accumulates every year and Kummanam clarified that even after seeing Wayanad, one should learn a lesson.

The airport in Aranmula is a project that faced a huge public protest during the Oommen Chandy government. The agitation was launched at that time by pointing that filling up the paddy fields would lead to serious environmental issues. The National Green Tribunal then cancelled the project in 2014. This was also upheld by the Supreme Court.
With the new government coming to power, the airport project is coming up for discussion again. Abin Varkey also made a reference about the project last month. Abin Varkey's response was that the project is good if it comes without any hurdles for anyone.