Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Report
Proposed Development of Greenfield Airport at Kozhikode, Kerala

Prepared by:
Hari Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

Project Proponent:
Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Date: April 2025

1. Executive Summary
The present Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared for
the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kozhikode, Kerala. The project, undertaken by
the Airports Authority of India (AAI), is aimed at addressing the growing air traffic and
connectivity demands of the Malabar region in North Kerala. The proposed airport is
intended to serve as a major aviation hub, connecting this region with key domestic and
international destinations.

The total land required for the development is approximately 900 acres, where two parallel
runways, a modern terminal building, cargo facilities, aircraft parking, and various ancillary
infrastructures will be constructed. This EIA has been conducted in accordance with the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Notification of 14th
September 2006, placing it under Category A for infrastructure development projects
(Activity 7a).

This report evaluates the baseline environmental conditions, predicts potential

environmental impacts arising due to the construction and operational phases, and
presents mitigation and environmental management strategies. It also assesses socio-
economic implications and outlines a comprehensive monitoring framework.

2. Project Description
The Greenfield Airport is proposed to be located near Kondotty in Kozhikode
District, Kerala. The selected site lies at latitudes 11°15'N to 11°20'N and longitudes
75°55'E to 76°00'E. The area is situated approximately 25 km from the Kozhikode city
center and is well-connected via national highways and nearby railway stations.
The project covers an area of 900 acres, and the design includes two parallel runways, each
4000 meters long, capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft like Boeing 777 and Airbus
A350. A modern terminal building with an area of 45,000 square meters will cater to both
domestic and international passengers, with a projected annual capacity of 15 million
passengers. Additional facilities will include air traffic control towers, firefighting and
rescue stations, hangars, maintenance bays, fuel farms, and a cargo handling zone.

The construction is expected to span over five years, employing advanced civil engineering
and sustainable building technologies. The airport design adheres to international aviation
safety and efficiency standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO).

3. Baseline Environmental Status

3.1 Meteorological Conditions
The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate. Meteorological studies conducted over
a one-year period recorded average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 35°C. The relative
humidity ranged between 60% and 90%, influenced significantly by the southwest
monsoon. Annual rainfall averages around 3200 mm, primarily between June and
September. The prevailing wind directions are from the southwest and northwest during
different seasons.

3.2 Ambient Air Quality

Air quality assessments were conducted at eight representative locations around the
project site. The concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were found to be well within the limits prescribed by the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 2009. The PM10 levels ranged between
32-60 µg/m³, PM2.5 between 18-38 µg/m³, NO2 from 12-26 µg/m³, and SO2 from 4-12
µg/m³. No industrial emissions were detected in the vicinity.

3.3 Water Quality

Ground and surface water samples were collected from nine locations within a 10 km
radius. The groundwater exhibited a pH range of 6.8 to 7.4 and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
levels between 180 to 550 mg/l. Chlorides, nitrates, and fluorides were within permissible
drinking water limits as per IS 10500. Surface water samples also showed no significant
contamination, indicating the absence of major industrial or urban wastewater discharge in
the region.

3.4 Noise Levels

Noise monitoring was carried out at ten locations, including near sensitive receptors such as
schools and residential areas. Daytime noise levels ranged between 43.2 dB(A) to 54.6
dB(A), and nighttime levels were between 38.5 dB(A) and 47.2 dB(A). These are within the
permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for residential areas.
3.5 Soil Characteristics
The project site primarily has sandy loam soil, which is moderately fertile. Soil samples
tested at eight locations revealed a pH range of 5.5 to 7.8. Nitrogen content ranged between
90-180 kg/ha, while phosphorus and potassium were found to be in adequate quantities.
There were no traces of heavy metal contamination, indicating minimal anthropogenic
pollution.

3.6 Ecology and Biodiversity

The ecological survey identified no Schedule I mammals in the project impact zone.
However, two Schedule I bird species—the Indian Peafowl and the Malabar Grey Hornbill—
were reported in the buffer zone. Minor forest patches such as Chekuthan Kunnu and
Paruthippara Hills lie within a 10 km radius. No endangered plant species were observed.

3.7 Socio-Economic Environment

The socio-economic survey covered 20 villages within a 10 km radius. The total population
is approximately 2,30,000, with a literacy rate of 91%. About 23% of the population belongs
to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The project will require resettlement of
approximately 1,000 families. A comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R)
plan is being developed to ensure equitable and humane treatment.

4. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Environmental Potential Impact Source of Impact Mitigation Measures
Component

Air Quality Increase in dust Construction Regular water sprinkling,

and NOx emissions activities, vehicle dust suppression, use of
and machinery low-emission equipment,
emissions green fencing

Water Quality Runoff and Excavation, Temporary

sedimentation in construction sedimentation tanks, oil
nearby bodies runoff and grease traps, silt
fencing

Noise Levels Elevated noise Operation of heavy Acoustic enclosures,

levels equipment, aircraft scheduling noisy tasks in
movement daytime, green barriers

Soil Soil erosion and Land clearing and Erosion control, topsoil
loss of topsoil excavation reuse, soil stabilization

Ecology Loss of vegetation Site clearance, tree 1:5 compensatory

and minor fauna afforestation, greenbelt
 displacement cutting development

Socio-Economic Displacement of Land acquisition, R&R plan, infrastructure

families, resource labor influx support, local
pressure employment

Waste Construction and Civil works, airport Segregation, recycling,

Management municipal solid operations disposal through
waste authorized agencies

Public Health & Dust inhalation, Construction site PPE use, safety training,
Safety accident risk activities health checkups, secure
site

5. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) serves as a roadmap for implementing
mitigation strategies, monitoring environmental parameters, and ensuring compliance with
national and international standards. Key aspects of the EMP include:

5.1 Air Quality Management

 Installation of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS).

 Use of dust suppression techniques during construction, such as mist cannons and
water tankers.

 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel and regular maintenance of construction vehicles.

 Vegetative screens to filter airborne particulates near operational zones.

5.2 Water Resource Management

 Establishment of rainwater harvesting structures to enhance groundwater recharge.

 Installation of dual plumbing systems for water reuse within the terminal.

 Regular maintenance and monitoring of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to meet
discharge norms.

5.3 Energy and Resource Efficiency

  Adoption of renewable energy sources, including solar panels on rooftops and
parking areas.

 Use of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems complying with ECBC norms.

 Implementation of Building Management Systems (BMS) for real-time monitoring

and control of utilities.

5.4 Biodiversity and Greenbelt Development

 Development of a 30-meter-wide multilayered greenbelt using native species.

 Translocation of trees where feasible and compensatory plantation at a 1:5 ratio.

 Collaboration with local forest departments for biodiversity conservation measures.

5.5 Institutional Framework

 Appointment of an Environmental Manager responsible for EMP implementation.

 Formation of an Environmental Monitoring Committee comprising AAI officials,

consultants, and community representatives.

Estimated EMP cost:

 Capital Cost: Rs. 14 crores

 Recurring Operational Cost: Rs. 6 crores annually

6. Environmental Monitoring Programme

A structured and scientifically designed monitoring programme will be executed to
track environmental changes and compliance.

6.1 Air Quality Monitoring

 Parameters: PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂, CO

 Frequency: Monthly

 Locations: 8 permanent monitoring sites surrounding the project area

6.2 Water Quality Monitoring

 Scope: Groundwater and treated STP effluent

 Frequency: Quarterly
  Tests: pH, TDS, BOD, COD, heavy metals

6.3 Noise Monitoring

 Frequency: Weekly

 Points: Near terminal, runways, sensitive receptors (schools, hospitals)

6.4 Soil Monitoring

 Frequency: Bi-annually

 Tests: pH, NPK content, organic carbon, heavy metals

6.5 Biodiversity Assessment

 Frequency: Annually

 Objective: Track avian and small mammal species, habitat status, invasive species
detection

6.6 Reporting

 Results to be submitted to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) as per prescribed
format.

7. Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

The project includes a comprehensive risk mitigation and emergency preparedness
framework.

7.1 Risk Identification

 Fuel storage and refueling operations

 Aircraft crash or emergency landing

 Fire and explosion risks

 Earthquakes and floods (natural hazards)

7.2 Disaster Preparedness Plan

  Installation of fire detection and suppression systems compliant with NFPA
standards.

 Dedicated fire station with rapid response vehicles and trained personnel.

 Medical care units with paramedics, trauma rooms, and ambulance services.

 Clear demarcation of emergency evacuation routes and signage.

7.3 Mock Drills and Training

 Bi-annual disaster response drills in collaboration with local authorities.

 Regular staff training in CPR, first-aid, evacuation procedures, and emergency

communication.

7.4 Coordination with Stakeholders

 Integration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) protocols.

 Tie-ups with nearby hospitals, police, and firefighting departments.

8. Project Benefits
The Greenfield Airport at Kozhikode is poised to deliver a multitude of benefits
across economic, social, and infrastructural domains.

8.1 Economic Development

 Expected to attract investments in hospitality, IT parks, logistics hubs, and tourism

infrastructure.

 Boost to regional trade and commerce through cargo operations and better market
accessibility.

8.2 Employment Generation

 Over 7,000 jobs directly and indirectly during construction and operational phases.

 Skill development opportunities for local youth through aviation-related training.

8.3 Connectivity and Mobility

 Improved air travel access for the northern districts of Kerala.

 Enhanced medical, educational, and professional mobility across the region.

8.4 Urban and Rural Infrastructure

 Development of roads, power supply, telecom connectivity, and waste management

systems.

 Stimulation of peripheral real estate growth and smart township development.

9. Conclusion
The proposed Greenfield Airport project at Kozhikode is a vital strategic initiative aimed
at enhancing regional aviation infrastructure. It aligns with the broader objectives of the
National Civil Aviation Policy and the state’s vision for sustainable growth.

 Environmental impacts identified are moderate and manageable through prescribed

mitigation measures.

 The project adheres to statutory guidelines and incorporates modern, eco-sensitive

design approaches.

 Local communities will be engaged through employment, infrastructure

development, and capacity building.

 Long-term socio-economic and environmental sustainability has been embedded in

the project framework.

Recommendation:
Given the robust planning, positive cost-benefit analysis, and integrated environmental
safeguards, the project merits environmental clearance subject to compliance with the
Environmental Management Plan and periodic monitoring commitments.