Surat’s aviation sector is grappling with a persistent safety dilemma as numerous buildings near Surat Airport breach critical height restrictions, posing significant risks to flight operations. Despite years of regulatory oversight and judicial intervention, these structures remain largely unaddressed, raising questions about urban planning, regulatory enforcement, and the balance between development and safety.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) have identified over 90 buildings in the Vesu area that violate the Height Obstacle Surface (HOS) norms, a critical safety parameter for aviation operations. These norms define the maximum permissible height of structures in the vicinity of airports to ensure safe flight paths. Violations range from minor to significant, with some buildings exceeding the permissible height by over 14 meters . Despite the issuance of Building Use (BU) certificates by SMC, which are supposed to ensure compliance with safety standards, these buildings continue to pose threats to aircraft operations. The developers assert that they obtained all necessary approvals from relevant authorities before construction .
In response to public interest litigations highlighting these violations, the Gujarat High Court has intervened, directing both AAI and SMC to take immediate action. The court has emphasized the need for accountability, warning that personal responsibility will be fixed on officials if prompt action is not taken . The court’s involvement underscores the severity of the situation and the necessity for swift and decisive measures to address the safety concerns posed by these height violations. The encroachment of these structures into the HOS has led to the displacement of Runway 22 by 615 meters, reducing its usable length from 2,905 meters to 2,290 meters. This limitation hampers the airport’s capacity to handle larger aircraft and increases the risk during take-offs and landings, particularly in adverse weather conditions .
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the unchecked urban development near the airport raises broader questions about sustainable urban planning. The proliferation of high-rise buildings in proximity to critical infrastructure like airports can lead to environmental degradation, increased pollution, and compromised safety standards. It also highlights the need for integrated planning that considers the long-term implications of urban growth on public safety and environmental sustainability. Experts advocate for a holistic approach to urban development that incorporates stringent safety standards, environmental considerations, and community engagement.
This includes regular and thorough obstacle limitation surface surveys, transparent approval processes, and robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure that development does not come at the expense of public safety. The situation at Surat Airport serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced when urban development and safety regulations are not meticulously aligned. It underscores the imperative for cities to adopt forward-thinking, sustainable, and safety-centric planning practices to safeguard both their inhabitants and critical infrastructure.
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