Post News Network
New Delhi, Feb 17: An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) has granted terms of reference (ToR) for the development of Jharsuguda airport for A -320 Operations.
The Airport Authority of India has approached EAC for finalisation of the ToR.
Interestingly, Jharsuguda airport was constructed during World War II with a low bearing strength suitable for general aviation aircraft. But the aerodrome was lying unused for more than three decades except for occasional use by general aviation aircraft of industrial houses situated at Jharsuguda.
In 2008, a feasibility study was carried out by AAI to revive Jharsuguda airport as one of the 32 non-operational airports.
M/s RITES has prepared the feasibility report and it is technically feasible for development of Jharsuguda airport for operations of wide-bodied aircraft with augmentation of facilities, additional land acquisition and obstruction elimination.
About eight families would be affected due to the proposed project. The relocation of habitation will be taken up by the state government. The Expert Appraisal Committee, after deliberations, recommended for grant of ToR with the details of the land use break-up for the proposed project.