The Jharkhand government has cleared the decks for the Dhalbhumgarh Airport project by recommending the diversion of 99.256 hectares of forest land, a crucial step towards boosting regional air connectivity for Jamshedpur.
The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department of Jharkhand has approved the land diversion, enabling the airport's development to move forward. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the project's environmental impact and its anticipated benefits to the region. The key aspects of the recommendation include diverting 99.256 hectares of forest land located in the Jamshedpur Forest Division. The recommendation was made by the Special Secretary of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, with additional conditions to be detailed in a subsequent letter.
A senior official from the Jharkhand government, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism about the project. “The Dhalbhumgarh Airport will transform Jamshedpur’s accessibility and economic landscape. We’ve carefully balanced development needs with environmental considerations,” the official stated.
The proposal now awaits final approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Given the project's significance for regional development, state officials are hopeful for a swift review by the central government.
Dhalbhumgarh Airport Limited (DAL), a joint venture company, is spearheading the project. According to the MoU signed on January 24, 2019, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) holds a 51% stake, while the remaining 49% is held by the State Government.
Environmental advocates are emphasizing the importance of implementing compensatory measures. An environmental policy expert commented, “It’s crucial that development projects like this adhere strictly to afforestation guidelines and other ecological safeguards.”
Once operational, the Dhalbhumgarh Airport is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and economic activities in the Jamshedpur region, potentially creating substantial employment opportunities for local residents.
