Navi Mumbai Airport Operator Addresses Height Concerns: Compliance with Regulations Ensured

Mumbai, 16th September 2024: Three days after residents and activists raised concerns about a letter from Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt Limited (NMIAL) requesting building height information, NMIAL has clarified that this is a standard procedure. The organization stated that property owners will be given a chance to address any issues to ensure compliance with Central Government and DGCA regulations.

Residents noted that NMIAL’s request references a Ministry of Civil Aviation notification regarding height restrictions within a 20 km radius of an airport. Last year, NMIAL’s aeronautical survey identified several buildings potentially exceeding these height limits.

According to Rule 3 of The Aircraft Rules 1994, NMIAL is required to notify building owners or occupants of any violations and request details for compliance. This is a routine process for new airports seeking aerodrome licensing, an NMIAL spokesperson explained.

As per the Gazette notification, NMIAL has been designated as the airport operator for Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). CIDCO has instructed NMIAL to send notices under Rule 3 to property owners. Once NMIAL receives the necessary information, it will verify the details and notify owners of any infringements, which will then be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for further action.

For example, in the case of Nivaan Grande CHS in New Seawoods, Nerul, NMIAL requested details such as the building’s maximum height, construction dates, sanctioned plans, occupancy certificate, WGS 84 coordinates, no objection certificate from the Airports Authority of India, and any other pertinent information.

Activist B N Kumar has questioned why NMIAL is causing concern among residents with such notices. He has raised the issue with NMMC and CIDCO, the bodies that issued the occupancy certificates, and questioned why NMIAL is contacting residents directly.

Kumar also recalled that CIDCO had previously celebrated the relocation of the Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) from near DPS school in Nerul to Dhakale island in Belapur. This move was intended to alleviate height restrictions of 55 meters and support the construction of taller buildings. CIDCO’s then-Managing Director had described the ASR relocation as a positive development for both the airport project and the broader Navi Mumbai region. Kumar argued that NMIAL’s recent actions seem contrary to these earlier assurances.