Responding to multiple media reports about a drone survey at the proposed Aranmula airport, Kerala's Revenue Department has asked for a detailed incident report. Pathanamthitta District Collector A. Nizamudeen confirmed that the Tahsildar and the village officer concerned have been instructed to submit their findings. The department currently has only media coverage and a claim by a private individual, prompting it to verify the exact circumstances of the survey.

Background of the Aranmula Airport Proposal

The 232‑acre parcel spanning Aranmula, Mallappuzhassery and Kidangannur villages was earmarked for an airport project in 2004. The plan received in‑principle approval under the V.S. Achuthanandan administration, but was later re‑designated as an industrial zone by the Oommen Chandy government in 2011. In May 2014, the National Green Tribunal revoked the project's environmental clearance, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, effectively stalling the venture. The land was declared surplus by the Kozhencherry Taluk Land Board in July 2017 and remains under the Revenue Department’s possession.

Drone Survey Controversy

On July 10, 2026, private individual Abraham Kalamannil, accompanied by a Delhi‑based expert team, conducted a drone survey of the site. Kalamannil alleged that the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government, Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey Kodiyattu, and Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony were supportive of the airport project, and that his company would return for a second‑phase survey. These statements have raised questions about possible facilitation by revenue officials, prompting a formal investigation.

Administrative and Legal Response

The Revenue Department has now tasked the Tahsildar and the village officer to prepare a comprehensive report. Should the report uncover any unauthorized activity, the details will be presented to the Kerala High Court during the surplus‑land case hearing on July 16. Moreover, officials have unequivocally stated that no additional drone surveys will be allowed at the site pending the outcome of the probe.

Potential Impact

This probe could set a precedent for how Kerala handles private land surveys, especially when they intersect with contentious infrastructure projects. It also spotlights the broader debate over the utilization of surplus public land for large‑scale development and the regulatory oversight of emerging drone technology. A High Court ruling that favours stricter enforcement may reshape future public‑private partnerships across the state.