PUNE: A public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project to construct an integrated terminal as part of expansion of the Pune airport was organised on Wednesday.
The environment clearance is likely to be granted in one month. Airport Director Ajay Kumar said they are planning for more environment-friendly features for the facility in the near future. Among those present for the meeting were Resident Deputy Collector Vijay Deshmukh and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Regional Officer Nitin Shinde.
Ajay Kumar told Sakal Times, “During the hearing, around 100 people were present. They expressed their views on the topic. We had a healthy discussion on real time monitoring of environmental issues at the airport. The Pune airport is the only airport in the country which has air filters to reduce air pollution. By the year-end we will have cleaner air around the airport. We are in process to develop a green belt. We are committed towards cleaner and safer environment.”
“While the green cover around the facility was being increased as per the Airport Authority of India (AAI) norms, more air purifiers would be in place inside the airport premises by December. The environmental clearance in connection with the new terminal building will be available with them within a month following which the actual construction of the ambitious project will begin,” said Ajay Kumar.
The new terminal building of the Pune international airport will be GRIHA-4 (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)-4 compliant. “The new terminal building will be incorporating various green building features. We will make it GRIHA-4 compliant,” said Ajay Kumar. The Pune airport authority is also working on a better road network leading to the airport. The construction of a road for better traffic management is in progress.
THE GREEN INITIATIVES
“As we are concerned about the environment, the per capita water consumption at the airport is the least in the country, that is 5.36 litres per passenger, while power consumption is 0.88 KW per passenger, which is the highest in the country. We have already installed 300-KW solar power panels on a hanger, which generates 1,500 KW power per day. By end of this financial year, we are coming with a pilot project of low weight solar power PV (Photo volt) system, which will be installed on an aluminum roof generating 100 KW of power,” Ajay Kumar told Sakal Times.
LINKING AIRPORT TO METRO
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed to connect the airport with the Pune Metro rail. Ajay Kumar said, “Metro railway should be connected to the airport for passengers’ facilitation and commitment towards cleaner environment.”
