Context:
- The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has opposed the Shree Jagannath International Airport project in Puri citing aviation safety and ecological risks.
Key Highlights:
Project Details
- Proposed airport at Sipasarubali village (471.401 hectares) in Puri district, Odisha.
- Intended to address capacity constraints at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.
- Backed by Odisha Government, AAI, and Ministry of Civil Aviation (site clearance granted).
Environmental & Wildlife Concerns
- Proximity to Chilika Lake (Ramsar Site) — major migratory bird habitat.
- Risks identified:
- Bird strikes posing aviation hazards
- Disruption to migration routes
Biodiversity Sensitivity
- Habitat for:
- Olive Ridley turtles (mass nesting along Odisha coast)
- Irrawaddy dolphins
- Numerous migratory bird species
Land Use Details
- 443.514 hectares non-forest land
- 27.887 hectares under wildlife division jurisdiction
Institutional Process
- Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) sought WII’s expert opinion (2025).
- WII recommended against project approval due to ecological risks.
Significance / Concerns
- Highlights conflict between infrastructure expansion and conservation priorities.
- Raises questions about site selection and environmental due diligence.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Chilika Lake:
- Largest brackish water lagoon in India
- Recognised as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance)
- Olive Ridley Turtles: Known for Arribada (mass nesting) phenomenon.
- Irrawaddy Dolphin: Found in coastal and estuarine waters, vulnerable species.
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Autonomous body under MoEFCC.
- Forest Advisory Committee (FAC): Advises on forest clearance proposals.
- Concept: Bird strike hazard in aviation safety.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Environmental Governance Issues:
- Need for scientific assessment in infrastructure siting.
- Importance of independent expert bodies (WII) in decision-making.
- Biodiversity Conservation vs Development:
- Critical habitats like Ramsar wetlands require strict protection.
- Infrastructure projects can cause irreversible ecological damage.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Planning:
- Importance of environmentally informed land-use planning.
- Integration of aviation safety with ecological considerations.
- Policy & Institutional Challenges:
- Potential conflicts between state development priorities and environmental safeguards.
Way Forward:
- Explore alternative locations with minimal ecological impact.
- Strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mechanisms.
- Incorporate wildlife risk assessments in aviation planning.
- Promote eco-sensitive development frameworks.
UPSC Relevance
- GS III: Environment, biodiversity, infrastructure development
- GS II: Governance, environmental institutions
- GS I: Geography (wetlands, coastal ecosystems)