THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indicating a revival of the much-hyped seaplane project, the state government has asked a seaplane operator to obtain the mandatory clearances for operations. Tourism principal secretary V. Venu, who held a meeting with the operator, Seabird Seaplane Services, said that once they obtain the mandatory clearances, the government would extend them all support. He also said the concerns of the fishermen community would be solved.
Mr. Chinson Panakkal, chief general manager of the services, said that the firm was expecting the final clearances from agencies like Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) anytime. “Since the government offered us all support, we hope to commence the services soon,” he said. However, the firm is yet to decide the service sectors though it was planning services between Kochi and Lakshadweep earlier.
Meanwhile, the fishermen community are still firm on their stand that they would oppose seaplane operations that affect the fishing sector. “Our objections are not against the seaplane project, but projects that may affect the livelihood of fishermen,” said Mr T.J. Anjalose, leader of AITUC-affiliated Matsyatozhilali Federation.
Though a meeting initiated by the previous UDF government had decided to carry out a trial flight of the seaplane to convince the fishermen that it did not affect fishing activities, it did not happen. Sources said that once Seabird obtains permissions for its aircraft, which is now stationed in Kochi, a trial flight may be carried out. It may be recalled that though the UDF government had launched the Seaplane services from Kollam in June 2013 with much fanfare, the project was faced stiff protest from fishermen. It was alleged that the fishermen were not convinced that it would not affect fishing sector.
