A plan to connect Mumbai with Nashik by seaplane has run into rough weather. The proposed landing site at Gangapur Dam, near Nashik, has been opposed by activists and NGOs, who say the activity will affect thousands of migratory and residents birds.
Based on two separate complaints — by Bombay natural history society and by Bishwarup Raha, honorary wildlife warden, Nashik District — the directorate general of civil aviation is taking a relook at flight operations to Gangapur.
Raha, a birder of over two decades, said, "Gangapur Dam is an important bird area and home to 3,000 resident birds, besides 10,000 migratory birds. I was aghast to hear a seaplane would be allowed to land here. It will disturb the bird ecology, and the plane will be at risk of a bird hit. I wrote to DGCA opposing the plan."
According to Raha, the dam attracts migratory birds such as shovelers, flamingos, pintail ducks, pochards and gulls among other species. It is also home to birds such as cormorants, spoonbills and others.
BNHS director Asad Rahmani also confirmed writing to DGCA. "It is an important bird area and seaplane activity will create a lot of disturbance. We hope DGCA will not allow it."
Senior DGCA officials said they are examining the objections. "Permission to carry out operations will have to wait," an official said.
Seaplane operations in Mumbai are run by Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (Mehair) along with MTDC, with regular flights between Juhu Aerodrome and Pawna Dam in Lonavla. On Wednesday, a trial flight was operated between Juhu and Girgaum, making it the first intra-city flight.
"We've worked on the Mumbai-Nashik project for two years and have received clearances from several authorities including coast guard, Indian navy, Mumbai Port Trust, DGCA and AAI," a Mehair spokesperson said.
When asked, co-founder and Mehair director Siddharth Verma said he wasn't aware of the bird problem. "I'm not aware of any such issue or complaints to DGCA," Verma said.
The company also said it was ready to launch flights to Gangapur Dam if clearance is given. Connecting Dhoom Dam in Mahabaleshwar with Mumbai is their next plan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Mumbai-Nashik seaplane,Maritime Energy Heli Air Services,Gangapur dam
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