Goemakrponn desk
VASCO: A day after the demolition of structures in funnel zone at Dabolim, the Indian Navy has c;larified that the demolitions on unauthorised structures were carried out on orders of High Court to bring them within the height limitations so as to ensure safety of the aircraft.
“The Indian Navy, as the operator of Dabolim International Airport, is responsible for safe flying operations at the airport. The rules and guidelines mentioned in the Aircraft Act of Govt of India, and the regulations stipulated by DGCA are adhered to for this purpose,” said Captain Mehul Karnik Chief PRO Defence
Public Relations Office (MoD).
He said these rules and regulations, along with the directives of MoD, govern the framework for issuing of NOC.
“The NOC granted by the Navy for a construction mentions the height limit for that particular construction. The height limitation is imposed to ensure safe flying operations. The height limit varies for each construction depending on various factors, the primary being the distance of the construction from the airport and the elevation of the ground on which the construction is being undertaken, he said.
The Navy PRO added it was a few concerned citizens of Goa who approached the Honourable High Court of Bombay at Goa in 2018, highlighting the mushrooming of unauthorised buildings around Dabolim Airport which impinged on the safety of aircraft operating from the airport.
“In February 2020, after hearing all parties, the Honourable Court gave an order to demolish structures which did not have the NOC or violated the stipulations of the NOC,” he said.
Further, Captain Karnik added, to ascertain the actual infringement, a joint survey with National Institute of Hydrography (NIH), Mormugao Planning and Development Authority and Goa Police as directed by DGCA was conducted in June 2022.
The residents who have been asked to demolish the unauthorised structures have been provided with sufficient guidance and warnings to adhere to the Honourable High Court orders, he said.
However, he said, on account of non-compliance of its orders, the Honourable Court commenced contempt proceedings against MPDA in January 2024.
“Thereafter, the TCP Department directed MPDA to undertake demolition. MPDA has acted upon the directives of the Honourable Court and demolished the unauthorised structures to bring them within the height limitations so as to ensure safety of the aircraft, and in turn the safety of the residents residing in the vicinity of Dabolim Airport,” he said .
