<p>The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment Ministry, in a recent meeting, approved the project noting that it meets ecological concerns and would take care of domestic as well as international traffic visiting the famous pilgrim site.<br /><br />This is perhaps the first major project in Maharashtra which has got a green signal even as the proposed Navi Mumbai airport and Peddar flyover road project in the state awaits clearance.<br /><br />Regarding Shirdi airport, the panel noted that there were no settlements at the site except a few farmhouses for which compensation will be provided as per state government policy.<br />Also there are no protected sensitive areas near the proposed site, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) submitted at the meeting.<br /><br />The connectivity of Shirdi is critical for future growth as the number of tourists visiting the religious site has increased over the last 20 years.<br /><br />The development plan of Shirdi was prepared in 1992 envisaging an airport spread over an area of 340 hectares.<br /><br />Recommending the proposal for green clearance, the EAC has asked the project proponent to ensure a thick green belt of adequate width all around the airport site and ensure that no fruit tree shall be planted near it.<br /><br />The MADC is expected to complete the project in 12 months time. It will also construct a one-km two-lane road from Shirdi-Kopargaon road to the airport site.<br /><br />However, the EAC at the meeting deferred expansion and modernization plan of Solapur Airport in Solapur district in the state and sought more details on the project.</p>
<p>The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Environment Ministry, in a recent meeting, approved the project noting that it meets ecological concerns and would take care of domestic as well as international traffic visiting the famous pilgrim site.<br /><br />This is perhaps the first major project in Maharashtra which has got a green signal even as the proposed Navi Mumbai airport and Peddar flyover road project in the state awaits clearance.<br /><br />Regarding Shirdi airport, the panel noted that there were no settlements at the site except a few farmhouses for which compensation will be provided as per state government policy.<br />Also there are no protected sensitive areas near the proposed site, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) submitted at the meeting.<br /><br />The connectivity of Shirdi is critical for future growth as the number of tourists visiting the religious site has increased over the last 20 years.<br /><br />The development plan of Shirdi was prepared in 1992 envisaging an airport spread over an area of 340 hectares.<br /><br />Recommending the proposal for green clearance, the EAC has asked the project proponent to ensure a thick green belt of adequate width all around the airport site and ensure that no fruit tree shall be planted near it.<br /><br />The MADC is expected to complete the project in 12 months time. It will also construct a one-km two-lane road from Shirdi-Kopargaon road to the airport site.<br /><br />However, the EAC at the meeting deferred expansion and modernization plan of Solapur Airport in Solapur district in the state and sought more details on the project.</p>