Initially introduced by the UDF government under Oommen Chandy in 2013, the project faced considerable resistance from CPI(M), who allegedly misled the fishing community into protesting against it.
Published Nov 13, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 13, 2024 | 9:00 AM
A significant controversy regarding the seaplane project is the strong opposition from environmentalists and the forest department.
A new chapter in Kerala’s tourism journey took flight on Monday, 11 November, as a sleek 17-seater seaplane ascended into the skies from Kochi’s serene Bolgatty Marina and landed at its destination — the picturesque Mattupetty Dam at Munnar in Idukki.
Tourism Minister PA Mohammad Riyas lauded this trial flight as a milestone. It was launched as part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s initiative to explore inland transport through amphibious aircraft — a venture poised to reshape travel experiences in Kerala.
As the seaplane touched down smoothly on Mattupetty’s sparkling waters, Riyas described the moment as historic, envisioning it as the beginning of an era of breathtaking aerial views and renewed growth for Kerala’s tourism.
With plans already underway to extend the project to more destinations, the seaplane initiative promises to add a unique allure to the state’s tourism offerings.
Industries Minister P Rajeev, Education Minister V Sivankutty, and other officials witnessed the launch. During the trial run, public access to the dam was restricted; representatives and staff from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Tourism Department were permitted onsite.
Authorities maintained simplicity in execution, setting up a temporary jetty at minimal cost, allowing the trial to move forward without significant expenses.
Meanwhile, Ernakulam District Congress Committee President Mohammad Shiyas expressed disappointment that the Pinarayi Vijayan government revived a project that the CPI(M) had once strongly opposed.
Initially introduced by the UDF government under Oommen Chandy in 2013, the project faced considerable resistance from CPI(M), who allegedly misled the fishing community into protesting against it.
Kerala Matsyathozhilali Aikya Vedi — a union of traditional fishermen — President Charles George noted that both fishers and the Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad had objected to the project on two previous occasions over the past 11 years.
Their primary concern was its potential to threaten traditional fishing livelihoods and disruption of the ecological balance of water bodies.
Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Fisheries Workers Union State Secretary and MLA PP Chitharanjan stated that they would oppose the seaplane project if it negatively impacted fishermen.
“Seaplanes are not an urgent need for Alappuzha, and therefore, we do not welcome them in the district,” Chitharanjan said. He added that if the project did not harm fishermen, it would be accepted. In 2013, Chitharanjan had headed a protest against the project.
Chandy Oommen, son of former chief minister Oommen Chandy and Puthuppally MLA, told South First that the state could not claim it as a first in India.
“Of course, Kerala has reached a historic milestone, and I appreciate the chief minister and the government for it. However, Kerala can’t claim this as the first in India because Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have already introduced similar projects. In fact, it was first in India in 2013, when a seaplane flew from Kollam’s Ashtamudi Lake,” Oommen said.
“At that time, protests erupted, with claims that rare fish resources would be affected by the seaplane operation. The service was not allowed to land in Alappuzha due to protests, as people argued the lake would become polluted and that it was only meant for the wealthy,” he said.
“Now, I am eager to know the CPI(M)’s stance. I don’t want to create controversy, but I wish the best for the tourism sector,” he added.
Another significant controversy regarding the seaplane project is the strong opposition from environmentalists and the forest department.
Critics argue that the project could harm the local ecosystem, particularly because the Mattupetty dam is a vital water source for wildlife.
In a letter to the state chief wildlife warden, MN Jayachandran, a member of the Thodupuzha Biodiversity Management Committee, raised concerns and warned of potential ecological disruptions, including negative impacts on aquatic species and wild animals in the area.
Jayachandran criticised the seaplane operation in the Mattupetty dam, stating it violate the Supreme Court’s order to protect national parks and eco-sensitive areas.
He emphasised that the dam is a crucial water source for elephants and other endangered species. The region is classified as an eco-sensitive zone, which is legally protected.
According to Jayachandran, the seaplane operations not only threaten to contaminate the water but also disturb the habitats of endangered animals such as elephants, tigers, and Nilgiri Tahr.
He also pointed out that the state government chose Mattupetty Dam for the seaplane project without conducting a proper assessment of its ecological and wildlife impact.
Devikulam Panchayat Member C Rajendran told South First, “We learned about the project just a few days ago through the newspapers. Of course, the Mattupetty Dam and nearby areas are home to wild elephants. I’m not sure whether any studies have been conducted on the potential impact of seaplanes on wildlife.”
“The elephants in the area are generally people-friendly and haven’t caused harm to tourists, even though there are occasional exceptions. Currently, the local community is content, and no concerns have been raised. Everyone is looking forward to growth in the tourism sector, as the local economy depends on it,” he added.
Amidst the developments, the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) sent a letter to the Idukki district collector, warning that the proposed project could aggravate wildlife disturbances, particularly intensifying the human-animal conflict in the region.
The letter emphasised that the Mattupetty Dam is in a dense forest surrounded by national parks and a sanctuary.
The region is home to various endangered species, including wild elephants, listed as Schedule 1 animals.
According to the letter, the Mattupetty reservoir lies amidst protected areas such as the Anamudi Shola National Park to the north (3.5 km away), Pampadumshola National Park and Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, with an eco-sensitive zone in between. The area is frequently visited by elephants, and they often travel across the submerged sections of the reservoir, moving between national parks.
The DFO highlighted that the introduction of seaplane operations could disrupt the delicate wildlife habitat, potentially escalating human-wildlife conflicts. It is pointed out that any such developments should be accompanied by a conflict mitigation plan approved by the National Board for Wildlife.
Kerala-based socio-economic commentator Dr Mary George emphasised the importance of learning to coexist with wildlife while pursuing developmental projects.
She pointed out that the proposed seaplane project passes through areas like Anamudi, Mannavan, and Mathikettan Sholas, which are home to sensitive wildlife, including elephants.
However, Dr George believes that lessons can be drawn from the Muthanga model in Wayanad, where elephants regularly drink water from Noolpuzha, a river that remains flowing throughout the year.
She acknowledged the challenge posed by the Sulthan Bathery-Mysuru route, which passes through an elephant path, leading to a night curfew.
Despite these challenges, she advocated for balancing economic development with ecological concerns.
Dr George asserted that it is possible to generate additional revenue without compromising wildlife protection with thorough studies and proper planning, suggesting that opposition to every new initiative may not always be the best approach.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
