Mumbai, August 12: The Centre has only approved an environment impact assessment study for the proposed Navi Mumbai airport but not cleared the project.
“We have given permission only for Terms of References under which an environment impact assessment study has to be carried out,” Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh told reporters here today.
“We have not given clearance to the airport (project),” he said.
The problem with the proposed area was that around 150 hectares are covered with mangrove vegetation and “therefore the experts have to suggest how the destruction of the mangroves for the construction of airport could be neutralised,” the minister said.
Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, has been entrusted with the task of carrying out the study which will be completed in 9-12 months time, Ramesh said.
–PTI