THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has joined hands against the move to legalise high-rises in the safety zone around the international airport here. Achuthanandan on Monday urged the state government to cancel the occupancy certificates issued to skyscrapers above the permissible height in the 20-km radius of the airport, deemed to be a high risk zone.
Following a request from the AAI, the City Corporation had earlier refused to give occupancy certificates to some buildings falling within 20 km radius of the airport. These buildings, according to the AAI were above the permissible height prescribed in the aviation safety notification issued in 2010. However recently, the Local Self Government Department issued an order allowing the City Corporation to grant certificate to constructions before 2010.
The order cited that the height restrictions imposed by the AAI in 2010 do not have retrospective effect. Hence, as per the order, certificate can be granted to buildings which secured permit before 2010 as per the provisions of the Kerala Municipality Building Rules and site elevation certificate issued by PWD executive engineer.
The 2010 order of the AAI states that highrises within a 20-km radius of the airport needs an NoC from the Airport Authority of India.
Raze down buildings
The Opposition Leader urged the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene in the issue which poses grave threat to the safety of passengers. He demanded the state and central governments to raze down the illegal constructions.
Govt claims
Long-pending demand of local residents
Noretrospective effect for AAI’s 2010 notification
Development stalled
Critics’ claims
Only to help apartment builders at Akkulam
Safety of aircrafts, local residents at risk
Corruption involved
AAI Claims
Buildings stand in aircraft approach path
Risk of collision
Incapacitates airport surveillance radar