Rub of green for hotels within airport

The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) for environment has cleared proposals for three luxury hotels,creating nearly 1,500 rooms,at the airport’s aerocity and hospitality district. While the setting up of five-star hotels,or hotels of any kind,within the airport is a new phenomena,these projects have been approved with new conditions.

The project proponents have been instructed to create a green belt,and in the absence of adequate land for the same,to create hanging gardens and rooftop plantations like ones at the Singapore airport.

In another first,the developers have also been recommended to create a common biogas facility to reach zero sewage discharge.

Nod has been given to JW Marriot,which will have 520 guest rooms and 12 suites built over seven floors; Caddie Hotels and creation of Pullman,a five-hotel with 270 rooms,two restaurants and a bar. The other,Novotel,will be a four-star hotel with 400 rooms,a restaurant and a bar.

“We are coming up with strategies so these huge structures do not harm the environment. They will have to have their own sewage treatment plants,and recycling of used water. They will also be asked to make a green belt. In the same vein,a hanging garden and rooftop plantations will also be made so that there can be more greenery,” said a senior member of the SEAC.

The developers will also be responsible for dealing with their own e-waste.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests had given an in-principle nod for the creation of aerocity,which is expected to add to government coffers through property development,within the airport.

The state committee was expected to tweak the projects and make them as sustainable as possible. In its meetings,the question of proximity to Asola,Delhi’s only wildlife sanctuary,was also considered.

At present,three commercial complexes,and two large hotels,including a five-star facility,are waiting for environment clearances.

“These are large projects and require a lot of water and resources. They have been instructed to fully recycle water,set up solar water heating systems,and produce zero waste.

“This means biodegradable waste has to be recycled,and the kitchen waste has to be created into compost. Since all the projects are close to each other,we have recommended creation of common facilities for sewage treatment,and creation of biogas,” the member added.