In a decisive move to enhance aviation safety, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has amended its building construction rules, placing a temporary ban on high-rise buildings exceeding G+8 floors within a 20-kilometre radius of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
The announcement was made by Kolkata Mayor and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, who cited recent aviation incidents and pending guidelines from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as key reasons behind the precautionary measure.
“No new permissions will be granted for buildings above G+8 near the airport until further notice from aviation authorities,” Hakim stated.
🏗️ Key Highlights of the New Directive
- Scope: Applies to all municipalities within 20 km of the airport, including Madhyamgram, Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, and South Dumdum
- Existing Approvals: Projects already sanctioned will not be affected
- Pending Guidelines: Awaiting formal notification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAI
✈️ Aviation Safety at the Core
The move follows heightened concerns after a recent air crash in Ahmedabad, prompting authorities to reassess construction near critical flight corridors. The AAI is reportedly reviewing height restrictions and Color Coded Zoning Maps (CCZM) to ensure safe aircraft operations.
🏙️ Industry Reaction
Real estate developers have acknowledged the need for safety but urged clarity.
“This appears to be an interim measure. We hope detailed guidelines will soon define permissible zones,” said Siddharth Pansari, President of CREDAI Kolkata.
📜 Regulatory Framework
Under the Civil Aviation (Height Restrictions for Safeguarding of Aircraft Operations) Rules, 2015, any construction within 20 km of an airport requires prior clearance. The KMC has instructed its building department to halt all new high-rise sanctions until official aviation directives are received.
Stay tuned for updates on urban development and aviation safety regulations.
