Navi Mumbai Airport Project Cleared by Environment Ministry

The Indian Environment Ministry on 22 November 2010 approved of the Navi Mumbai airport, the proposal for which was stuck in the pipeline due to environmental concerns. The clearance for the Rs. 8722 crore project was given on the conditions that 678 hectares of mangroves will be developed in and around the project site, and river Gadhi will not be diverted. 30 other conditions/riders were also attached. The conditions are required to be implemented to minimise environmental impacts. The Navi Mumbai airport project, though cleared by the Union Cabinet was kept on hold by the Civil Aviation and Environment Ministries over the past one year. The Environment Ministry gave the approval only after establishing its conditions about resettlement and development of mangroves.