PANAJI
Responding to blame and criticism over the demolition of structures around Dabolim airport, the Navy has insisted that action had been taken on directives of the High Court of Bombay at Goa.
In a detailed statement, the Navy stated that as an operator of Dabolim International Airport, it 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 the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are adhered to for this purpose. 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,” stated the Navy.
“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.”
The Navy stated that a few concerned citizens had approached the high court 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 court gave an order to demolish structures which did not have the NOC or violated the stipulations of the NOC. Further, to ascertain the actual infringement, a joint survey with the National Institute of Hydrography (NIH), Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) and Goa Police as directed by DGCA was conducted in June 2022.”
The Navy stated that residents who had been asked to demolish the unauthorised structures had been provided with sufficient guidance and warnings to adhere to the high court orders.
“However, on account of non-compliance of its orders, the court commenced contempt proceedings against MPDA in January. Thereafter, the TCP department directed MPDA to undertake demolition.”
“MPDA has acted upon the directives of the 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,” stated the Navy.
