Feasibility Study of Proposed Kodumon Airport @ Pathanamthitta
Location Overview of Kodumon
Geographical Coordinates: Latitude: Approximately 9.1795° N Longitude: Approximately 76.7900° E Kodumon is a small town located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Situated in the southern part of the state within the Western Ghats' eco-sensitive zone, the area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Kodumon is positioned centrally within Pathanamthitta district.
Kodumon Estate
Location: Pathanamthitta District, Kerala Area: 1202 hectares (2970 acres) Employment: 268 tappers, 76 field workers, 41 staff, and 7 officers
Chandanapally Estate
Location: Pathanamthitta District, Kerala Area: 1655 hectares (4090 acres) Employment: 248 tappers, 79 field workers, 35 staff, and 5 officers
Topography
The terrain around Kodumon is predominantly hilly, with a mix of undulating landscapes and flat plains. The region is characterized by lush greenery, dense forests, and a network of rivers and streams. The hilly terrain forms part of the Western Ghats, which contributes to significant rainfall and rich biodiversity.
Elevation
Kodumon is at a moderate elevation of about 30 to 40 meters (98 to 131 feet) above sea level, with surrounding areas reaching higher elevations.
Soil Type
The soil is generally lateritic, suitable for agriculture. It supports crops like rubber, coconut, and pepper, which are commonly cultivated in the region.
Pathanamthitta, like many parts of Kerala, has a large number of people traveling abroad, especially to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world. According to reports, Kerala has one of the highest rates of international passenger traffic in India. Many Keralites migrate for work, and the state has a robust diaspora. The demand for international flights is high, and providing more local options can make air travel more accessible to the people of Pathanamthitta and surrounding regions.
Given the high international passenger traffic from Pathanamthitta, the availability of government land in Kodumon, and the general need for more local travel options, an international airport in Pathanamthitta could greatly improve the region’s connectivity and contribute to its economic development. If the government of Kerala supports this initiative, it could provide the necessary resources to make this project a reality, benefiting both local residents and the broader state economy.
As per the Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005 in India, document, the custodian of the Kodumon Airport land is the Government of Kerala. The proposed land for the airport is officially classified as Kerala Government Revenue Land, and it does not fall under the category of forest land.This means that the Government of Kerala holds both the ownership and custodianship of the land. The land is categorized as revenue land, which is typically land held by the government for the purpose of revenue generation and other administrative uses. The fact that it is not forest land simplifies matters in terms of usage and development, as forest land generally involves additional regulatory processes and environmental considerations.
Given that the land is government revenue land, there are no significant technical issues or complications related to the land's classification or its usage for the proposed airport. The land is available for the development of infrastructure projects such as airports, subject to compliance with relevant planning and zoning regulations.As the custodian and owner of the land, the Government of Kerala is responsible for any liabilities associated with the land. Since it is not classified as forest land, there are no additional environmental or regulatory hurdles that would typically apply to forest areas. The land’s revenue status means that any development, including the establishment of an airport, can proceed under the jurisdiction of the state government, following all required legal, environmental, and procedural steps.
The new Propsed Kodumon Airport is expected to bring significant economic growth to the region. Its construction and operation will create numerous job opportunities, both directly at the airport and in related sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail. The airport's connectivity will attract more businesses, facilitating trade and investment, while boosting the local economy through increased tourism and the movement of goods. Additionally, improved infrastructure will enhance regional development, making it more accessible to both domestic and international markets. Over time, this will likely result in a rise in living standards and economic diversification for the surrounding areas.
Kodumon Estate: The Ideal Location for a Sustainable Airport in South Kerala
The new Kodumon Airport is expected to bring significant economic growth to the region. Its construction and operation will create numerous job opportunities, both directly at the airport and in related sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail. The airport's connectivity will attract more businesses, facilitating trade and investment, while boosting the local economy through increased tourism and the movement of goods. Additionally, improved infrastructure will enhance regional development, making it more accessible to both domestic and international markets. Over time, this will likely result in a rise in living standards and economic diversification for the surrounding areas.
