Kerala took a significant step towards enhancing its tourism sector as a 17-seater seaplane took off from Kochi and landed next to the Mattupetty dam near Munnar, one of the state’s most popular destinations, in just 16 minutes. The journey would have taken over 4 hours by road. The service plans to use small planes with 9, 15, 17, 20 or 30 seats; passengers will board from floating waterdromes. Given its network of backwaters and dams, Kerala offers an ideal environment for using seaplanes. As of now, the plan is to begin services from large dam sites like Banasura Sagar in Wayanad and Mattupetty in Idukki so that the backwaters are not disturbed.
The seaplanes have come at a time when tourism players have been stressing the need to reduce travel times. The service is being operated under the aviation ministry’s UDAN scheme to improve connectivity between airports, hill stations and backwaters, and is offering subsidised fares. But the project has its share of opposition too, as environmentalists have raised concerns that it could cause significant ecological disruption in environmentally-sensitive areas. Regular flights would disturb elephants near the proposed landing and take-off sites, it is argued.
Fisherfolk have raised concerns that planes landing in the backwaters will affect their livelihood. Environmental groups are preparing to approach the high court to challenge the service citing a Supreme Court order that prohibits recreational activities within 10 km of ecologically-sensitive areas. Supporters of the project, on the other hand, argue that seaplanes would have no negative effects on the water, as it does not discharge oil or other fluids there. They point out it requires only some light infrastructure for passengers to embark and disembark.
However, given the concerns, the government must do an extensive feasibility study and environmental assessment before expanding the project. Everyone must be taken along for the project to become a success. Seaplanes have great potential in a country like India with its extensive coastline, numerous water bodies, and untapped tourism destinations. Along with Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep too have carried out similar trials. The tourism and environment ministries, along with the aviation authorities and state governments must put their heads together and devise a policy to tap the full potential.