KOLLAM: A team of officials, led by Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy chairman P.M.Thulasidas, has visited Asramam Maidan on Monday as part of the feasibility study for laying a runway for the aircraft. Transport Secretary T.K.Manoj Kumar, Tourism Planning Officer Unnikrishnan and Kollam District Collector A.Shajahan were also in the team.
Later talking to the media, Thulasidas said that the promotion of tourism was also among the objectives of the proposed runway.
Flights for tourists who want to visit Ashtamudi backwaters could be chartered once the runway is laid. It will also pave the way for the promotion of other business activities.
The Asramam Maidan has both merits and demerits. The Maidan can afford 4,000 ft land for the runway. But it is sufficient only for light aircraft.
For medium-level aircraft 6,000 to 9,000 ft land is required. The trees around the Maidan is another disadvantage. The clearance from the Government would be easy as the Maidan is the property of the Civil Aviation Department under the Central Government.
The Maidan was having a runway many decades ago.
Thulasidas also made it clear that the runway would not be laid by overlooking the objection of the local people.
Kollam has been considered for laying the runway as it is the important place in the southern part of the state. He said that Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta are also being considered for laying the runway.