Following a strenuous three-day demolition drive, the Navy on Friday issued a complete brief on the demolition of illegal constructions within the Funnel Zone of Dabolim International Airport. Emphasising its role as the airport operator, the Indian Navy reiterated its responsibility to ensure safe flying operations following the Aircraft Act of the Government of India and DGCA regulations.
The Navy stated that these rules & regulations, with the directives of MoD, govern the basis for issuing of NOC. They added the NOC granted by the Navy for construction mentions the height limit for that particular construction which 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, the Navy informed.
The issue was brought up after concerned citizens of Goa, who, in 2018, raised alarm bells at the High Court of Bombay in Goa regarding the proliferation of unauthorised structures around Dabolim Airport, posing threats to aircraft safety. The demolition of these structures was done as per High Court directions in 2020, emphasised the Navy.
To determine the extent of infringement, a collaborative survey involving the National Institute of Hydrography (NIH), Mormugoa Planning and Development Authority, and Goa Police, as directed by DGCA, was conducted in June 2022. Residents affected by the demolition orders were provided ample guidance and warnings to comply with the court's directives claimed the Navy.
However, faced with persistent non-compliance, the court initiated contempt proceedings against the Mormugoa Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) in January 2024. The TCP Department then directed MPDA to execute the demolition orders. The Navy stated that the MPDA undertook the task of demolishing structures to align with prescribed height limitations, thereby prioritising both aviation safety and the welfare of residents in the vicinity of Dabolim Airport.
