Should Kolkata Airport Authorities Have a Say in High-Rise Clearances After Ahmedabad Crash?
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Synopsis
Following the devastating Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, Kolkata's airport authorities are pushing for a say in high-rise building approvals within a 20 km radius. This move aims to enhance safety and regulatory measures, ensuring that future constructions do not compromise flight operations. The implications for existing buildings raise further questions.
Key Takeaways
- The Kolkata airport authorities are seeking a mandatory NOC for high-rise clearance.
- This initiative follows the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
- Existing buildings’ statuses remain uncertain under the new regulations.
- Municipalities around the airport will be impacted by these changes.
- Safety in air travel is becoming a priority in urban planning.
Kolkata, June 19 (NationPress) In the wake of the tragic Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of nearly all passengers except one, the management of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is seeking a significant role in the approval process for high-rise constructions within a 20 km radius of the airport. Authorities familiar with the situation indicate that they are requesting a mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) prior to any clearance granted by local civic bodies for high-rise buildings in that vicinity.
While no formal announcement has been made on this issue thus far, discussions have already commenced between airport officials and local government representatives.
Rathin Ghosh, the West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister and Trinamool Congress legislator representing Madhyamgram, which is the nearest assembly constituency to the airport, confirmed this development. He stated that the airport authorities are advocating for the stipulation that any approvals for high-rise buildings within the 20 km radius should only be granted following an NOC from airport officials.
“This protocol is currently observed by the Madhyamgram municipality, the closest urban civic entity to the airport. It remains to be seen what new regulations the airport authorities will propose,” Ghosh remarked.
Once the new regulations are established, municipalities such as Madhyamgram, New Barrackpore, and Uttar Dum Dum, along with municipal corporations including Bidhannagar and parts of Kolkata, will also be subjected to these restrictions.
Consequently, a pertinent question arises regarding the status of already-existing high-rises that exceed a certain height within this 20 km radius around the airport.
Point of View
I believe that the push for enhanced oversight by Kolkata's airport authorities is a necessary step towards ensuring safety in air travel. The tragic events in Ahmedabad highlight the need for strict regulations regarding high-rise buildings near airports. It is crucial that we prioritize safety while balancing urban development.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Kolkata airport authorities to seek more control over high-rise approvals?
The recent Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of nearly all passengers except one, has raised significant concerns about safety in air travel, prompting Kolkata airport authorities to seek a mandatory NOC for high-rise constructions within a 20 km radius.
What is a no-objection certificate (NOC)?
A no-objection certificate (NOC) is an official document that indicates that a particular authority has no objection to a proposed project. In this context, it would serve as a safety measure before the approval of any high-rise buildings near the airport.
Which areas will be affected by the new regulations?
The new regulations could affect municipalities such as Madhyamgram, New Barrackpore, Uttar Dum Dum, and municipal corporations like Bidhannagar and parts of Kolkata.
What will happen to existing high-rise buildings in the area?
The future of existing high-rise buildings beyond a certain height within the 20 km radius around the airport remains uncertain and will need to be addressed once the new regulations are formalized.
How will this impact urban development in Kolkata?
This move is likely to impose stricter regulations on urban development around the airport, which may slow down new projects but ultimately aims to enhance safety in air travel.
