SC allows additional terminal at Agra airport, forbids increase in air traffic

Supreme Court Wednesday permitted building of an additional terminal at airport in Agra near Taj Mahal but made it clear that it would t allow an increase in air traffic on airfield as that will be hazardous to environment and asked Centre to consider luxurious trains like "Palace on wheels" to city. apex court also directed Centre to consider an alternative airport site to meet increase in air traffic due to a rise in tourist influx to visit Taj Mahal and or destinations in and around Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Furr, top court said it has been informed that Railways can provide more excellent trains like "Palace on wheels" and such trains could have employed to transport passengers from new airfield to Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), Agra.

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SC bench clear ir stand

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde made it clear that it was willing to allow construction of additional terminal at existing airport. However, y were against increasing air traffic which could "dam" environment in an "eco-sensitive area" having some world herit sites including Taj Mahal. bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, took on record submission of senior advocates Ajit Kumar Sinha, appearing for Airport Authority of India and environmentalist lawyer M C Mehta who opposed project.

It also took on record submission of Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni that Centre wishes to undertake a study to take into account number of tourists who utilise airport and anticipatory increase in number of such tourists over years. law officer also sought permission to allow such an increase in air traffic at airport after conducting a study. However, bench made it clear that "it might be difficult to permit an increase in air traffic."

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"We, refore, consider it appropriate to direct Union of India to consider an alternative site in such anticipatory increase in traffic where aircraft could operate from. "We are informed that Railways can provide more excellent trains like 'Palace on wheels' and such trains could be employed to transport passengers from new airfield to TTZ, Agra," bench said in its order.

It said Centre will also consider involving Railways to solve problems of anticipation of tourists and "bear in mind fact that it will serve body's interest to have area polluted with resultant dam to people and herit monuments.

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apex court asked Centre to submit report within a period of three months. b"In meanwhile, interim prayer for restraining Union of India from allowing increase in air traffic will be considered after Union of India files its response by January, 2020," bench said. In order, it ted that Sinha appearing on behalf of AAI seeks permission to build an additional terminal at existing Agra Airport.

"Prima facie, we see reason why such permission should t be granted," it said and also took te of Mehta's submission that if authorities propose to allow and increase number of aircrafts that take off and land from this site, n it will be hazardous to environment.

"Prima facie, we consider this objection to be a sound objection and we do t propose to allow an increase in air traffic on this air field," bench said. apex court was told that an airport is coming up in Jewar in Greater ida, adjacent to national capital which would be one of few largest airport and will have potential to cater to increase in tourist influx.

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