VANDIPERIYAR, IDUKKI: The long-delayed Sathram Airstrip project near Vandiperiyar in Idukki is set to regain momentum, with the Forest and Revenue departments reaching an agreement to resolve the land-related issues that had stalled the project for more than three years.

The development follows discussions between the concerned departments and a recent inspection of the airstrip site by officials. Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, Peerumade MLA Cyriac Thomas and Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer Praful Agarwal, along with officials from the Revenue, Public Works and Forest departments, visited the site to assess the situation and facilitate the resumption of the stalled works.

As part of the agreement, the Forest Department will make available around 6.5 acres of land at Sathram required for the project. In return, the Revenue Department will provide an equivalent extent of land to the Forest Department at another location. This agreement is expected to remove a major hurdle that had prevented the completion of the project.

Construction stalled for more than three years

The Sathram airstrip was developed primarily to support National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing training, allowing cadets to receive training in flying small aircraft. The facility already has an approximately 800-metre runway, aircraft parking facilities and a watchtower. Small aircraft of the Indian Air Force and a helicopter have also successfully conducted trial landings at the airstrip.

However, construction and related works were disrupted following heavy rain and a landslip that damaged part of the runway shoulder. The construction of a protective retaining wall subsequently became a point of dispute with the Forest Department. Permission for around 400 metres of road-tarring work leading to the airstrip was also pending. These issues contributed to the prolonged suspension of the project.

The NCC has reportedly already transferred ₹24 crore to the government for the construction works, of which approximately ₹14 crore has been spent. The District Collector has directed the Public Works Department to conduct soil investigations for rebuilding the damaged protective structure.

Potential significance for Idukki

The revival of the Sathram Airstrip could be significant for Idukki's high-range connectivity, particularly because the facility is located near Vandiperiyar, Peermade and the Periyar region. Although the primary purpose of the airstrip is connected with NCC aviation training, its infrastructure could also have wider importance for emergency response and regional connectivity in the future.

For the tourism sector, any improvement in aviation infrastructure in this part of Idukki could strengthen accessibility to destinations such as Vandiperiyar, Peermade, Thekkady and surrounding high-range areas.

The latest developments therefore offer renewed hope that the long-pending Sathram Airstrip project can move towards completion.