Seaplane plans in troubled waters
News
- The government has proposed seaplane operations to ease transport and boost business and tourism.
Important facts
- Unlike a conventional aircraft, a seaplane can land both on a waterbody and on land. Seaplane helps to increase connectivity without building highways and runways.
- Presence large number of natural water bodies in India provides ideal opportunity for seaplane operations.
- The first attempt for seaplane operations was taken by Manmohan Singh government in 2010.
- The Airport Authority of India is working on seven locations in the three States of Gujarat, Assam and Odisha to locate positions for seaplane operations.
Problems faced by seaplane operations
- Lack of clarity on the rules that will govern seaplane operations.
- Director General of Civil Aviation has made some rules for setting up water aerodromes but still specific rules for seaplane operations are missing.
- High duties levied on the import of aircraft could hamper the implementation especially in the nascent stage.
- Kerala government withdrew its permission for seaplane operations due to fishermen apprehensions that it affects their livelihood.
- There are apprehensions regarding the adverse environmental impacts that may arise due to seaplane operations.
