The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has escalated its crackdown on buildings posing safety risks to aircraft, issuing fresh demolition directives for ten structures in the vicinity of Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport last month. The notices target portions of buildings that exceed the strict height limits mandated for aviation safety.
Buildings in the Crosshairs of Aviation Regulators
Among the notable structures served is the five-tower Loharuka Green residential complex in Bablatala, located perilously close to the airport boundary. This complex alone has received a staggering eight notices from authorities over the past four years. The latest communication specifically identifies the top two floors of two towers, which house lift rooms and water tanks, as intruding into the critical take-off funnel—a protected airspace corridor essential for aircraft ascent.
Airport director Vikram Singh confirmed that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has forwarded these fresh notices to the local civic authorities and police for necessary action. The owners have been given a 60-day ultimatum to remove the offending portions. Failure to comply will trigger action under the stringent Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, which could lead to forced demolition.
A Widespread Problem and a Regulatory Tightening
The issue is far from isolated. An Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey conducted earlier this year identified 377 potential hazards around the airport perimeter. Following this survey, the AAI sent notices to all property owners of these flagged structures. A focused look revealed that out of 118 multi-storey buildings in Narayanpur, Kaikhali, and New Town identified as lying directly in the take-off path, only 15 have so far demolished their illegal portions.
The regulatory landscape shifted significantly after the tragic Ahmedabad air crash in June, which claimed 241 lives. Post-2015, height-clearance rules were substantially tightened. The previous system, where AAI issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) based on distance from the runway, was overhauled. Now, owners found in violation must submit detailed structural documents within 60 days of notification, or demolition becomes mandatory. While appeals are permitted, they must follow a strict format and timeline.
Residents' Plight and Legal Standoff
The residents of Loharuka Green, a complex of 102 flats, are caught in the middle of this regulatory enforcement. They vehemently contest the DGCA's order, which demands height reductions ranging from 6.9 to 11.2 metres across different blocks. The residents' association argues that the developer secured a valid AAI height-clearance NOC in 2013, permitting construction up to 35.6 metres above mean sea level (AMSL). Construction was completed in 2018, and a completion certificate was obtained from the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation in 2019.
Dhrubajyoti Biswas, president of the Loharuka Green Residents' Welfare Association, expressed their frustration: "We have shared all documents each time a notice was served. The top floors were legally approved and sold at a premium for their airport view. Why should we raze them now?" The association has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking an expedited hearing on the matter, which has been pending for two months.
As the 60-day clock ticks, the standoff highlights the complex clash between urban development, resident rights, and non-negotiable aviation safety protocols. The outcome will set a significant precedent for how similar violations are handled across the country, balancing the need for safe skies with the realities of built infrastructure.
