Residents Panic as NMIAL Sends Violation Notices to Housing Societies
Authorities of the Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Limited (NMIAL) recently sent out violation notices to housing societies located near the airport site, sparking panic among residents and activists. The notices requested details about the heights of already constructed buildings, leading to concerns that this could potentially result in partial demolition of their homes. However, some residents argue that their structures were built years ago with proper permissions from Navi Mumbai’s civic body, raising questions about the validity of the notices.
Aviation Safety Regulations and Height Restrictions
The request from NMIAL aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which imposes height restrictions within a 20 km radius of any airport to ensure aviation safety. In 2023, NMIAL conducted an aeronautical survey that revealed several buildings in violation of these restrictions, prompting the issuance of notices to societies in areas such as Ulwe, Kharghar, and Seawoods in Nerul. The violations primarily involve structures like hoardings, water tanks, antennas, and parapets that could potentially interfere with safe aircraft operations.
Community Opposition and Concerns
The affected societies have been given a 15-day deadline to provide details including the top height of their buildings, construction timelines, sanctioned building plans, occupation certificates, and height clearance certificates from the Airports Authority of India. This move has been met with strong opposition from local leaders, with former corporator Netra Shirke questioning NMIAL’s authority to request such information directly from residents. Shirke argues that the buildings in question were constructed with all necessary approvals from the local authorities and that features like water tanks and sheds should not be considered violations. Additionally, she points out that the relocation of the Airport Surveillance Radar from Nerul to Dhakale Island in Belapur should render the previous 55-meter height restriction irrelevant.
Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde clarified that NMIAL’s actions are part of a routine process mandated by law before the airport can commence operations. While NMIAL is a private entity, it has been entrusted by the government to develop the airport and enforce regulations, including height restrictions. NMIAL officials have reassured residents that the notices are part of a standard compliance process necessary to obtain an aerodrome license and only apply to superstructures that violate height limits, not entire buildings.
Former MLA and BJP city chief Sandeep Naik echoed similar concerns, assuring residents that his father, MLA Ganesh Naik, would escalate the issue with the aviation ministry. Naik emphasized that those with valid occupation certificates should not have anything to worry about in this situation.
Residents in the affected housing societies are anxiously awaiting further developments, hoping for a resolution that does not result in the demolition of their homes or unnecessary disruptions to their lives. The issue remains a contentious one, with both sides presenting valid arguments regarding the enforcement of aviation safety regulations and the rights of property owners. As the deadline for providing details to NMIAL approaches, tensions are running high as residents grapple with uncertainty about the future of their homes.