Victory In Kerala

The Aranmula Boat Race takes place on the Pampa River, near the site of the proposed airport.  Photo by Arun Sinha/CC B

Dear friends,

ELAW partners in India have sent good news!  The Chennai Bench of the National Green Tribunal has shelved plans for a private airport in Kerala that threatened key wetlands. 

ELAW partner T. Mohan represented community members in a David and Goliath battle that included a 100-day strike by local community groups opposed to the airport.

Mohan and Devika wrote to thank ELAW Staff Scientist Mark Chernaik: “Many thanks to Mark who provided critical input on the Environmental Impact Assessment, deciphering google maps.  His comments proved to be the death knell for the clearance.”

Conversion of rice paddy fields to make way for the airport threatened wetlands and fisheries in the Pamba River basin.  The company says it will appeal.  We will keep you posted about this case.

Read more here:

National Green Tribunal judgement

Kerala Govt backs out of Aranmula airport

project Green Tribunal cancels environment clearance to Aranmula airport

Sincerely,

Maggie Keenan

Communications Director &
Fellows Program Coordinator
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide

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