India is to set up fourteen more aerodromes in the country to develop sea plane tourism

Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the seaplane service between the Statue of Unity in Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.

• Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the seaplane service between Statue of Unity in Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
• The 14 aerodromes are being planned under UDAN scheme.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Authority of India are to implement the project jointly.
• Inland Waterways Authority of India will conduct hydrographic survey.
• The hydrographic survey is important to mark the runway and shallow water for landing purposes.
• The Seaplane at the Statue of Unity is operated by Spice Jet.
• The Spice Jet private firm has secured 18 sea routes under UDAN scheme.
• The potential identified locations include Guwahati riverfront, Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, Umrangso reservoir in Assam, Erai Dam in Maharashtra, Prakasam Barrage in Andhra Pradesh, Khindsi Dam in Maharashtra, Minicoy and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, Havelock, Long, Neil and Hutbay islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shatrunjaya and Dharoi in Gujarat.
• The inclusion of seaplanes to connect water aerodromes were started under Phase 3 of UDAN scheme.
• The GoI approved six water airports under the third phase of the scheme. This includes Shatrunjay dam in Gujarat, Umrangso reservoir and Guwahati riverfront in Assam and Nagarjuna Sagar in Andhra Pradesh, Jorhat and Shillong in Meghalaya. The other was at the Statue of Unity.
• They cause minimal or no environmental impacts. They are one of the very few transport options allowed in Great Barrier Reef.