The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the Andhra Pradesh government’s request to prepare terms of reference (ToR) for constructing seven water aerodromes across the state. 

This approval marks the first step in securing environmental clearance for the projects, which also includes one in Visakhapatnam. The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation, which is responsible for implementing the aerodromes, will now proceed with the ToR preparation. The aerodromes will be built in various locations, including Jalaput Lake, Sileru-Lambasing, Srisailam, Kakinada, Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada, and Gandikota.  The state government is also planning to construct three additional aerodromes at Konaseema, Araku, and Tirupati.

The process will include a public hearing in the next month before the environmental clearance application. The EAC has also recommended obtaining necessary approvals and NoCs from authorities like the Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation, and Visakhapatnam Port Authority.