KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has asked the government to initiate the process of construction of the Nijgadh International Airport only after developing a reliable environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The full text of the written document on the SC verdict on 29 May released today stated that the construction of the airport belongs under the jurisdiction of the executive body, however, other environmental issues cannot be ignored while constructing such a project.
In the majority verdict of three judges, it is stated that there can be environmental damage during the construction of the development works, however, measures to minimize such damage should not be undermined.
In the five-member full bench of the SC, the verdict is based on a majority of the three judges. SC judges Harikrishna Karki, Bishambar Prasad Shrestha, Ishworprasad Khatidada, Prakashman Singh Raut and Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Karki and Sharma had written a note of dissent on the verdict based on the majority (three judges).
The three judges have given the verdict for conducting a reliable environmental impact assessment before proceeding with the construction.
The verdict has been instructed for ensuring minimum environmental damage while constructing the international airport.