Amaravati: In a significant step toward expanding aviation infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted approval to the state government to prepare the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the construction of seven water aerodromes. This clearance marks the initial step toward securing environmental approval for the projects, bringing the state closer to implementing a network of seaplane operations across key water bodies.

The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd, the implementing agency for these aerodromes, had approached the Ministry seeking permission to prepare the ToR, which forms the foundation for subsequent environmental clearance applications. Sources familiar with the developments informed that the government intends to build water aerodromes at seven locations: Visakhapatnam, Jalaput Lake, Sileru-Lambasing in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Srisailam in Nandyal district, Kakinada, Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, and Gandikota in YSR Kadapa district.

“The EAC recommended the preparation of ToRs for all seven aerodromes with certain conditions. We are also planning to construct three more water aerodromes at Konaseema, Araku, and Tirupati, for which land identification is underway,” said a government source. Following the preparation of the ToR, a public hearing is expected to be conducted within a month. The outcome of this hearing will play a crucial role in the state government’s subsequent application for environmental clearance.

While granting the approval to prepare the ToR for the Visakhapatnam water aerodrome, the EAC highlighted a few critical points. Notably, the Project Proponent (PP) had not consulted the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding the project’s development. Additionally, the PP proposed to use the same waterway currently utilised by the Naval fleet. The EAC pointed out that neither the Navy nor the Ministry of Defence had been consulted. As a condition for proceeding, the PP is required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Ministry of Defence to ensure that the proposed activities do not interfere with or compromise defence-related operations in the vicinity.

The committee also advised that the PP secure all requisite NoCs and statutory approvals from other concerned authorities, including the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and any other applicable agencies. These clearances are essential to ensure that the projects comply with environmental, aviation, and defence regulations, reflecting the complex coordination required for developing seaplane infrastructure.

Water aerodromes are specialised facilities constructed on large water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, enabling aircraft to take off and land on water surfaces. These aerodromes play a strategic role in boosting regional connectivity, particularly in areas with limited access to conventional airports. By establishing water aerodromes, Andhra Pradesh aims to enhance both tourism and business connectivity, linking remote or otherwise hard-to-reach locations to major urban centres.

Last year, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had inaugurated a seaplane demonstration flight between Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and Srisailam in Nandyal district, signalling the state’s commitment to developing this niche segment of aviation. The successful completion of such demonstration flights has paved the way for larger-scale seaplane operations and infrastructure projects across the state’s water bodies.

The state’s vision for water aerodromes aligns with the broader goal of enhancing multi-modal connectivity, integrating road, rail, and air transport networks. By leveraging the state’s extensive network of rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas, seaplane operations can provide a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional road travel, particularly in regions where geography or limited infrastructure poses logistical challenges.

The EAC’s approval to prepare ToR for the seven proposed aerodromes underscores the importance of a structured environmental assessment process in such projects. The ToR serves as a blueprint for evaluating potential environmental impacts, including effects on aquatic ecosystems, local communities, and navigation safety. It also sets out requirements for public consultations and outlines mitigation measures to address environmental and social concerns.

The development of seaplane infrastructure also has significant tourism implications. Destinations like Srisailam, Gandikota, and Jalaput Lake are rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage but remain relatively difficult to access via conventional transport. Water aerodromes will open up these regions to high-end tourism, facilitating quicker travel and potentially attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Moreover, the projects are expected to create employment opportunities in construction, operations, and ancillary services, contributing to the local economy. Training and certification for seaplane pilots, ground crew, and administrative staff will also be necessary, fostering skill development in the aviation sector within the state.

However, the EAC’s conditional approval highlights the need for careful planning and regulatory compliance. Coordination with defence authorities is crucial in areas like Visakhapatnam, where naval operations are ongoing. Ensuring that civil aviation activities do not disrupt defence operations will be a key priority, and obtaining the necessary NoCs from the Ministry of Defence will be a prerequisite for moving forward.

The environmental assessment will also focus on ensuring minimal disruption to aquatic ecosystems and fishery activities. Measures such as limiting operational hours, monitoring noise levels, and establishing safety protocols for waterborne traffic are likely to be mandated to safeguard the ecological balance and prevent conflicts with local communities dependent on these water bodies for livelihood.

In addition to the seven aerodromes for which ToR has been approved, the state government is actively identifying sites for three additional water aerodromes at Konaseema, Araku, and Tirupati. These locations have been chosen based on a combination of geographical suitability, tourism potential, and proximity to key urban centres. Once land identification and environmental assessments are completed, these projects could further expand the state’s seaplane network.

The approval to prepare the ToR marks a critical milestone, but it is only the first step in a multi-stage regulatory process. After public hearings and environmental review, the projects will require final clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change before construction can begin. Subsequently, operational clearances from aviation and defence authorities will be necessary to commence commercial seaplane operations.

As Andhra Pradesh moves forward with these ambitious plans, the state positions itself as a pioneer in water-based aviation infrastructure in India. By integrating these aerodromes into the broader transport network, the government hopes to enhance regional connectivity, boost tourism, and promote economic development, all while adhering to environmental and regulatory standards.

In conclusion, the EAC’s approval to prepare Terms of Reference for seven water aerodromes, including those in Visakhapatnam, Jalaput Lake, Sileru-Lambasing, Srisailam, Kakinada, Prakasam Barrage, and Gandikota, represents a decisive step toward the operationalisation of seaplane connectivity in Andhra Pradesh. With careful planning, inter-agency coordination, and public consultation, these projects have the potential to transform regional transport, open new tourism corridors, and contribute to the state’s socio-economic development. The coming months will be crucial in finalising the environmental and regulatory frameworks necessary to translate this vision into reality.