A committee under the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has rejected GMR group's request to convert its aviation
SEZ at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here into a multi-sector SEZ.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) cited poor response from the aviation companies for setting up shops in aviation SEZ as the reason to convert it into a multi-product SEZ.
However, the Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry felt conversion of the aviation SEZ, which is close to the runway, into the planned multi-product SEZ, may attract birds which may become hazardous to aircraft at airport.
The infra major said the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park, spread in the layout of 253.85 acres, has an occupancy rate of just 11 per cent over the last six years, and if allowed to convert into a multi-product SEZ, within 3-4 years it will be fully operational.
"The committee also felt that bird hazard is a serious concern for aviation sector and comprehensive study must be done by a reputed institution such as SACON, not just for airport, but also for SEZ areas, especially due the fact that multi-sector SEZ can become heaven for birds and if not planned well, can have serious risks to aircraft.
In view of the deliberations, the EAC was not inclined to consider the proposal anymore, and asked the project proponent to withdraw the same," the EAC said in a meeting held last month.
When contacted, a GHIAL spokesperson said they will study the order of the EAC and take steps.
"We will study the order and take necessary steps as required," the spokesperson told
Source: dnaindia.com