BADUNG ~ Government officials here voiced their objection this week to a proposed extension of Ngurah Rai International Airport’s only runway, saying it would destroy protected mangrove areas.

Officials of the Badung Development Plan Committee said the regency would not allow an expansion into the mangrove area on the eastern side of the airport.

“It’s not that we are against the project. We will support the expansion of the airport as long as it doesn’t destroy the mangrove forest,” said committee chief Wayan Sudiana.

Other officials think the expansion of the airport into the mangrove area would compromise the stability of the surrounding environment.

Head of the Badung Planning Board Kompyang Swandika said destruction of mangrove area could block rivers in the area and cause flooding.

“It would block the rivers and could flood the Kuta area,” he said.