Illegal construction a threat to airport, IAF tells HC

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 2

Expressing safety concerns, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that unauthorised constructions around the airfield were threatening the very existence of the airport in Chandigarh.

In a “brief” submitted to the High Court (HC) about a case on making the airport fully functional, the IAF added that unauthorised constructions were also leading to increase in bird activity, besides danger to the security.

The Bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli was also told that it was resulting in blockade of roads to be used by safety vehicles in case of an emergency. 

“Protracted communication with the district administration by the IAF and repeated reporting of the same at various forums and meetings has yielded little results,” it was added.

The “brief” containing concerns expressed by the IAF from time to time was placed before the Bench to inform it of the developments in the case so far. 

It was necessitated because Justice Krishna Murari was hearing the case for the first time after his transfer to Chandigarh as the Chief Justice. Assistant Solicitor-General of India Chetan Mittal, on the previous date of hearing, had offered to submit the brief for easy reference.

A joint-user airfield turned into an international airport recently. The IAF is carrying out its transport fleet operations from the base. Chandigarh is considered an important base for the IAF and the Army as the deployment and maintenance of troops for whole forward area is supported by it. 

Referring to a survey carried out by the Patiala Drainage Department, the IAF said its report revealed that all outlets leading to the main rain drain outside the airfield were blocked due to unauthorised constructions and non-clearance of drainage.

The survey team also ruled out the possibility of re-routing the outlets and connecting it with international airport main drainage system due to ground level differences. After due deliberation it was found that the only solution was to connect airfield drains to the main drain via an underground drain. 

The brief added that all the three exits for the water to flow out of the airfield were, “unfortunately” blocked. “This may lead to extensive flooding of the airfield and consequent stoppage of all flights for a prolonged period of time,” it was added.

The brief also stated that blockage of drains caused increased bird activity in the short run due to stagnation of water and insects breading on it. In long run, it would damage the runway pavement and in worst case scenario may cause flooding of the airfield. 

“Unauthorised constructions may impose restrictions on the use of the airfield, such as increased visibility minima and increased bird activity due to population residing close to the aircraft operating surfaces, besides security hazard. In the worst case scenario, the airport itself may become unsafe as has been the recent case of the Juhu airfield reported in the media,” it was stated.