Dabolim funnel zone violations rise, risking major aviation safety disaster
Dabolim is under renewed scrutiny as unauthorised high-rises continue to emerge within its airport funnel zone, in direct violation of aviation safety norms. Despite repeated warnings from defence authorities and strict court rulings, violations persist. The unchecked growth raises serious concerns about regulatory failure, posing significant risks to air operations and highlighting the collapse of enforcement in this sensitive flight path corridor.
Dabolim’s funnel zone, which requires strict construction controls to ensure air safety, is witnessing a spike in high-rise buildings reportedly lacking mandatory defence clearances. These violations contradict longstanding regulations that limit height and structural presence near critical airport corridors. Experts have expressed alarm, stating that such unchecked construction threatens flight safety, especially in regions where aircraft routinely descend, increasing the potential for airspace obstruction and endangering both civilian and military operations.
Despite court directives, local authorities have been slow in addressing the violations. Repeated demolition orders remain largely unimplemented, and construction continues without obtaining necessary clearances. Observers say the situation has reached a point where legal and aviation safety frameworks are being openly flouted. Piecemeal enforcement has drawn strong rebukes from the judiciary, which has flagged the issue in multiple rulings while questioning the accountability of planning and civic bodies.
Senior observers and aviation experts cite administrative indifference and alleged political interference as key reasons for the lack of action. They argue that approvals such as occupancy certificates are being granted without mandated No Objection Certificates from the Navy. Meanwhile, residents and activists are turning to the courts once again, filing contempt petitions that reflect growing public frustration with the state’s inability—or unwillingness—to act decisively against illegal structures threatening public safety.
The gravity of the situation lies in the convergence of negligence, non-compliance, and growing structural density near a functioning airport. Authorities continue to issue statements about demolition drives, but experts contend that the scale and pace are insufficient. Without decisive intervention, Dabolim faces escalating risks, not only to air travel but also to its reputation as a secure aviation hub. Stakeholders insist that regulatory gaps must be addressed before irreversible consequences unfold.
The crisis unfolding in Dabolim’s funnel zone is not merely a construction issue but a stark failure of governance, legal enforcement, and aviation risk management. As unauthorised buildings rise unchecked, the danger to aircraft, passengers, and residents deepens. Unless immediate corrective measures are enforced, this overlooked aviation hazard may result in consequences that could have been entirely preventable through timely and transparent action.
