Unchecked Development Near Goa's Dabolim Airport Sparks Fresh Fears

The recent crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad has renewed concerns among residents living near Goa's Dabolim airport. The incident has highlighted the issue of unauthorised high-rise buildings constructed within the critical funnel zone of the airport, despite a clear directive from the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court in 2018. The court had ordered the demolition of structures in Survey No 60/2 and other areas, citing communications from the Flag Officer of the Indian Navy dating back to 2015. Advocate Barbara Zuzarte, representing petitioner Alexander Michael, has alleged that political backing may be shielding the violators. The authorities have been slow to enforce the court's orders, with little action taken despite repeated warnings.

Key Takeaways:

• The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court issued a directive on February 28, 2018, ordering the demolition of unauthorised structures in Survey No 60/2 and other areas near Dabolim airport.
• The court had cited multiple communications from the Flag Officer of the Indian Navy dating back to 2015, raising red flags about illegal constructions in Chicalim Village.
• Advocate Barbara Zuzarte's client, Alexander Michael, has alleged that political backing may be shielding the violators, with local MLA complicity suspected.
• MPDA Member Secretary Sanjay Halarnekar has countered that demolition work has begun, but acknowledged the delay in implementing the court's directives.
• Documents accessed by O Heraldo reveal that several buildings have been granted occupancy without securing the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Navy.
• Kamla Prasad Yadav, a former deputy sarpanch and MPDA member, has denied any wrongdoing, despite allegations linking him to unauthorised constructions.
• A senior Indian Navy officer has expressed frustration over failed enforcement of safety norms and the law.

Statistics:

• Several buildings have been constructed within the critical funnel zone of the Dabolim airport without mandatory naval clearances.
• The High Court had warned authorities about developments lacking No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the Indian Navy as early as 2018.
• At least one structure linked to Kamla Prasad Yadav was allegedly built in the funnel zone without Navy permission.
• Residents of high-rise buildings near Dabolim airport report growing anxiety due to the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of safety norms.

Sources:

• High Court of Bombay at Goa, Order dated February 28, 2018.
• Indian Navy, Reports on Obstacles Infringing Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) around Dabolim Airport.
• O Heraldo, documents accessed by the publication.
• Herald Goa, article published by HT Digital Content Services.