The Centre has given approval to conduct an environment impact assessment study for the proposed Navi Mumbai airport and not any clearance for the airport, a Central government minister said.
"We have given permission only for Terms of References under which an environment impact assessment study has to be carried out," Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh told reporters in Mumbai on Wednesday.
"We have not given clearance for the airport," he stressed.
Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, has been entrusted with the task of carrying out EIA which will be completed in 9-12 months time, the minister said.
The IIT has been asked to take help of intenrational experts to complete the study.
The problem with the proposed area was that around 150 hectares are covered with mangrove vegetation and 'therefore the experts have to suggest how the destruction of the mangroves for the construction of airport could be neutralised,' the minister said.
