Ramesh okay with helipads run by govt in Mumbai

The state government on Tuesday made a pitch to the Union environment ministry to get the new airport off the ground and to allow it to set up four helipads in Mumbai.

The state government on Tuesday made a pitch to the Union environment ministry to get the new airport off the ground and to allow it to set up four helipads in Mumbai.

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Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had a marathon meeting with Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh in Delhi to discuss and hasten clearances for pending infrastructure projects.

The final clearance for Mumbai’s new airport will come up before the Centre’s state expert committee on July 21.

Chavan told HT the state had addressed all queries by the environment ministry. “The minister has also taken a positive stand about granting clearance to helipads for public use. Helipads are essential for a megapolis like Mumbai in case of medical emergencies or security threats,” he said.

Ramesh refused to clear private helipads in the city.