Hyderabad: GMR group has proposed to cut 585 trees for the expansion of Hyderabad Airport which is officially known as Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).
Environmental Clearance
In this regard, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) which manages the RGIA sent an application to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoEF). It also got the Environmental Clearance for the plan.
The aim of the plan is to increase the capacity of the airport from 25 million to 50 million passengers per annum.
However, for the expansion of the airport, the company proposes to cut coconut, ashoka, neem, tamarind, teakwood and other trees.
MPPA likely to increase
At present, the airport is catering to 18.3 million passengers per annum (MPPA). It is expected that by 2029, the MPPA will increase to 49.1 million.
Due to the expansion plan, more 5000 jobs are likely to be created.
It may be mentioned that for the plan, no additional land is needed as vacant land exists in the airport complex.