Devanahalli airport will be eco-friendly

Green to fly high at Devanahalli
The airport at Devanahalli will be surrounded by eco-friendly settlements and no development will be allowed on the natural river valleys in the area.
Deccan Herald

It will be an airy airport, after all.

The proposed international airport at Devanahalli will be surrounded by some of the most eco-friendly settlements and no development will be allowed on the natural river valleys in the area. This is despite the fact that there will be greater population pressure in the area.

According to the outline development plan (ODP) notified by the Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (Biaapa) -- the primary land-use sanctioning authority for the area -- no development will be allowed to destroy the natural river valley network in Doddaballapur, Devanahalli and Vijayapura in the outskirts of the city.

What is more, Biaapa proposes to mandate rainwater harvesting in the airport, as water is one resource that the region and its residents are short of.

The ODP, now on public display to invite public opinion and objections, envisages development of townships, infrastructure and industrial areas without disturbing the natural valleys, such as Arkavathi Valley. “We often hear of flash floods in places like BTM Layout or surrounding areas, primarily because these are settlements that have come up in low-lying areas and on tank beds. The airport area -- covering three towns and 347 villages -- will ensure the entire course of water resources and catchment areas is maintained. No industry/ residential complex will be allowed to destroy this,” said a senior official of the Urban Development Department.

The ODP, projecting land-use zoning in the next 15 years, also proposes separate sewage treatment plants for each of the major towns. The Biaapa area comprises an area of 985 square kms, spanning the towns of Doddaballapur, Devanahalli and Vijayapura and 347 villages.

“The ODP is basically a framework in which existing structures are developed to accommodate the projected population growth and the needs of the airport. We have identified the natural valleys based on satellite imaging of the area and the entire drainage course has been earmarked for open spaces, such as parks or grounds. Though residential and industrial areas are provided for, this won’t interfere with the network of tanks,” explained Biaapa Member-Secretary B Mahendra, when contacted.

According to him, the existing population in the area -- 2 lakh -- is likely to grow to 10 lakh in the next few years.

“While valleys are protected, historical monuments such as the Devanahalli fort and the birth-place of Tipu Sultan too need protection. Besides, sewage treatment plants have been planned for, everywhere. So, though there are industrial areas and industrial clusters in Doddaballapur, no sewage is to be let into the valley before treatment,” he said.

The airport itself, spreading over 4,000 acres, will be surrounded by agricultural land for a radius of approximately two kms.

The airport will have to provide for rainwater harvesting, as it is expected to serve as a model for others in the region to conserve rainwater. Considering the underground water levels in the area have depleted to record lows, there is a greater need to recharge ground-water.

Going by the estimated population pressure, some 90 to 100 million litres of water would be required every day.

“We have recommended that Doddaballapur draw from the Hesarghatta tank for its water needs. Besides, all tanks in the area has to be desilted immediately, to recharge groundwater,” said Mr Mahendra.



ECO-FRIENDLY

*Natural valleys to be protected as ‘green valleys.’
*Sewage treatment plants in each town to ensure untreated sewage, particularly from industries, are not let into river valleys.
*Agricultural land will surround airport on all sides.
*Rainwater harvesting in airport mandatory.