HC notice to DGCA, AAI on construction of highrise

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday ordered notices to the Secretary, Central Civil Aviation (CCA), Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and others in connection with the construction of a high rise building adjacent to the Bengaluru International Airport.

Hearing a PIL by G R Mohan, a City-based advocate and party in person, the Division Bench comprising Justice H V G Ramesh and Justice L Narayanaswamy ordered the notice.

The petitioner pointed out that the structure, a five star hotel, which is being constructed by BIAL just half a kilometre away from the terminal entrance compromises on the safety aspects of the airport. 

The airport, which is frequently used by the VVIPs and dignitaries, can be a soft target to any attacks by people trying to create trouble, the petitioner said.  Mentioning that the construction is in violation of the provisions of Section 9-A of the Aircraft Act 1934 read with Rules 82 and 83 of the Aircraft Rules 1937, the petitioner said despite repeated requests to Secretary, CCA, DGCA and AAI, there has been no action against the BIA and sought directions to stop the construction.

Master plan

The petitioner also submitted that the Bangalore International Airport Limited has to follow the master plan as approved by the authority concerned. He submitted that the airport has to follow the Standard and Regulations laid down by the ICAO and IATA guidelines, as well as the AAI requirement.

He said that the said master plan does not allow the construction of the star hotel right in front of the air terminal.