Kerala’s first seaplane has successfully landed at Mattupetty Dam, marking a significant milestone for the state’s tourism sector. The test flight of the seaplane, which took off from Kochi’s Bolgatty Marina, landed successfully at the Idukki Mattupetty Dam. The seaplane was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Muhammad Riyas at the Bolgatty Lake in Kochi, and the crew was received by local representatives and authorities.
This project, initially abandoned during the Oommen Chandy government due to strong protests from the CPI(M), was revived by the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The plan was scrapped earlier over concerns that it would disrupt the lives of people living near the lake and impact the fishing industry, as raised by CPI(M). Seaplanes, amphibious aircraft that can operate on both land and water, are designed for use in rural and mountainous areas as well.
This project is seen as an important step toward attracting tourists to Kerala’s natural beauty. The seaplane landed at Nedumbassery Airport at around 2:30 pm yesterday, where it was welcomed with a water salute. However, the general public was not allowed access to the seaplane. No major changes were made to the dam area, and only a temporary boat jetty was set up, making the project cost-effective.
The Mattupetty Dam, located in a vast area of nearly three kilometers, is known for its year-round water supply, making it an ideal location for such operations. The seaplane being used for service is a 19-seater twin-engine aircraft, which can easily land in small bodies of water, connecting small airports and water bodies. The main attraction of the project is that it takes just 30 minutes to travel from Kochi to Munnar.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department raised concerns about the inclusion of Mattupetty Dam in the seaplane project, as it is part of an elephant corridor. Elephants cross the dam to reach the Eco Point, and the presence of the plane could disturb the animals, the Forest Department stated. However, Minister P. Rajeev assured that all concerns related to the seaplane project would be addressed in due course.
