Hotel plans near BIAL grounded

Hotel plans near BIAL grounded
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore February 21, 2008
With the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) categorically stating that it will not unlock the green-belt around the new Bangalore International Airport near Devanahalli, several hotel projects proposed in the area are likely to be grounded.

Non-availability of water around the airport is being cited as the reason by the KPSCB to reject scores of applications from various firms seeking clearance certificate.

Speaking to the Business Standard, KSPCB Chairman H C Sharat Chandra said surface water sources around the airport are few while the ground water table in the area is depleting.

“Water is now available only below 600-800 feet from the surface. If star hotels are permitted, the water level will further dip. So we have taken a decision against giving permission,” said Chandra.

It is estimated that 4.5 lakh litres of water is consumed everyday by hotels if they are allowed to operate. That eventually will only dry water sources in the rural areas, Chandra added.

Even the Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA) had announced that it will not approve projects that will destroy natural river valley network in the three towns of Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Vijayapura and the 347 villages that are in the airport area.

With the airport all set to be inaugurated this March-end, pressure is being mounted by hospitality lobby to allow five star hotels in the vicinity of the airport.

But Chandra maintained: “We will give permission provided the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)supplies to these hotels. We will not allow anyone to exploit the ground water table.”

At present, BWSSB has installed a dedicated pipeline to the airport.Hotel plans near BIAL grounded
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore February 21, 2008
With the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) categorically stating that it will not unlock the green-belt around the new Bangalore International Airport near Devanahalli, several hotel projects proposed in the area are likely to be grounded.

Non-availability of water around the airport is being cited as the reason by the KPSCB to reject scores of applications from various firms seeking clearance certificate.

Speaking to the Business Standard, KSPCB Chairman H C Sharat Chandra said surface water sources around the airport are few while the ground water table in the area is depleting.

“Water is now available only below 600-800 feet from the surface. If star hotels are permitted, the water level will further dip. So we have taken a decision against giving permission,” said Chandra.

It is estimated that 4.5 lakh litres of water is consumed everyday by hotels if they are allowed to operate. That eventually will only dry water sources in the rural areas, Chandra added.

Even the Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority (BIAAPA) had announced that it will not approve projects that will destroy natural river valley network in the three towns of Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Vijayapura and the 347 villages that are in the airport area.

With the airport all set to be inaugurated this March-end, pressure is being mounted by hospitality lobby to allow five star hotels in the vicinity of the airport.

But Chandra maintained: “We will give permission provided the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)supplies to these hotels. We will not allow anyone to exploit the ground water table.”

At present, BWSSB has installed a dedicated pipeline to the airport.