The Odisha government’s proposed ambitious greenfield airport at Shree Jagannath International Airport, Puri, has today obtained environmental clearance from MoEFCC, thereby clearing a crucial hurdle.
The airport is intended in a block named Sipasarubali of Puri district, about 5 km away from Jagannath temple. It will be created over 471.348 hectares; of which 27.887 hectares will constitute forest land. Earlier this month in May 2025, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation gave in-principle approval for the green-field airport.
According to the project, approximately 4.6 million passengers a year will be supported on a first phase, an international facility is proposed in Phase I (at present under study) but will depend on proper regulatory approvals. In its planned phase II, its capacity will be expected to be expanded to just 10.18 million, while the planned phase-III will see the number of passengers lifting up to 16.69 million per year.
The project has been granted environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, says Collector Puri Dibya Jyoti Parida. The state government is now expected to finalise the remaining legalities in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the state Transport Department end the legal formalities in preparation for moving the project ahead later.
Earlier, the airport had drawn environmental protests and complaints for the impact on wildlife and nature. A committee of the Environment Ministry had alerted about its detrimental effect on migratory birds, Olive Ridley turtles and wildlife, and loss of trees along the stretches. The Wildlife Institute of India and Zoological Survey of India entangled themselves in their recommendations for mitigation measures and site specific wildlife management plan.
Several conditions were attached with the forest clearance for diversion that covers 27.887 hectares of forest lands, including the compensatory afforestation of 29.939 hectares of non-forest lands. The authorities have also been mandated to put in place measures to protect the wildlife, as it is suggested from the impact assessment, and in accordance with the site-specific management plan.
The Odisha government is now one step closer towards further development of the airport, including in-depth planning and coordination with the AAI, after securing the final environmental clearance.