THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The seaplane project is still on file, even after 10 months since the test flight. The seaplane, which will enable major development in Kerala's tourism sector, flew from Bolgatty Palace in Kochi to Mattupetty Dam on November 11 last year. However, the forest department opposed the project since the areas including Mattupetty Dam fall within the limits of the wildlife-rich area.

The test flight was carried out by a De Havilland Canada aircraft under the central government's UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme.

The first phase was to set up waterdromes connecting four airports and major water bodies. In the next phase, waterdromes will be set up in Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, Bekal, etc. Apart from tourism, it was also considered to be

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