KOCHI: Even as the work for Defence Ministry’s new airstrip near Vandiperiyar in Idukki district for giving flying practice to NCC air wing cadets is progressing in full swing, concerns have been raised about the impact of the project on the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is home to rare endemic flora and fauna.
The PTR is known for its wealth of wildlife and mesmerising biodiverse landscape and the runway of the airstrip is located just 600m away from the boundary of the wildlife sanctuary.
While an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and clearance from the Union ministry of environment, forest, and climate change are mandatory for the development of an airstrip, the work has been progressing expeditiously giving scant regard to environmental clearance. As per an order issued by the MoEF in 2014, any project located within 10km from the boundary of a protected area needs clearance from the National Board for Wildlife.
