A seismic survey had not been conducted prior to construction. PHOTO: APP
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat and Capital Administration & Development on Monday pointed out that two new airports being constructed in Islamabad and Gwadar are unfeasible due to their physical location.
Committee members underline that the New Islamabad International Airport is located just four kilometers away from sensitive nuclear installations, while Gwadar Airport is in a highly seismic zone.
Officials of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) briefed the committee that a seismic survey had not been conducted prior to construction and that only a topographic survey had been done, despite the fact that the entire region is a highly seismic zone.
The Senate committee headed by its chairperson Senator Kalsoom Perveen discussed issues related to the CAA.
The committee expressed dismay that a seismic survey of the airport’s site had not been conducted and warned that this technical lapse could have long-lasting implications.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2013.
COMMENTS (8)
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the only reason this airport is not feasible because the Nawaz sharif wants to build another airport which is just 10 KM away from this site. Now the land because the PML-N government wanted to facilitate one of its leaders, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, who owned a large piece of land in Rawat.
“If the plan of the new airport in Rawat is approved, the price of Mr Aftab’s land in the area will go up manifold,
This is highly objectionable......If there were sensitive installations....they should have seen that earlier....now when the airport is near completion and billions of rupees and time has been wasted on the project....now you tell that the airport in unfeasible....it is unacceptable, unethical and highly objectionable.......
Everyone knew from the beginning that this airport is close to very sensitive areas. It was just a political stunt from Mr. Shaukat Aziz to announce it and win a NA seat followed by becoming PM.
The misery of this nation did not end here, the next government of PPP despite knowing the facts kept building it (hint : kick backs). I am glad at least this government realized it and we can secure our sensitive and nuclear installations.
@A. Khan: Funny how you expect the current government to spend money on economic necessity. The same people who came into the government by political expediency. Metrobuses and Motorways
Well done Pakistani Reps What a joke. When the Project is nearly completed. Now they saw Sensitive installations.
@suzo: So what you are saying is that the government of Pakistan should continue spending tax payers i.e. your and my, money on projects that were created for political expediency rather than economic necessity ?
Give corruption another chance.
yes they aren't feasible because once constructed their credit may go to PPP's govt and nawaz sharif's govt can't take such fateful risk!