GIS-certified clearance for construction near airports soon

To be based on technical survey

• GIS analysts will provide site coordinates and elevation certificates to NOC applicants after technical survey of the site

• The certificate will be countersigned by a designated member of the aerodrome safeguarding team

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14

No objection certificates (NOC), mandatorily required for any construction in the vicinity of airports, will soon have to be certified by Geographical Information System (GIS) analysts before issuance by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

From April 1, GIS analysts will provide site coordinates and elevation certificates to NOC applicants after technical survey of the site, a communique issued by the AAI earlier this month states. The certificate will be countersigned by a designated member of the aerodrome safeguarding team.

GIS is a computerised system based on maps, sensors and processors to capture, store, integrate, analyse, manage and present spatial or geographic data.

As part of its efforts to enhance the aerodrome safeguarding mechanism, including control and monitoring the height of the buildings and structures in the vicinity of airports, the AAI has deployed teams of GIS analysts at 20 major airports and also procured requisite equipment and paraphernalia, sources say.

Each team will have jurisdiction over several smaller airports in the region. All airports and off-site navigational aid installations will be surveyed. Construction in the vicinity of aerodromes is a major concern keeping in view flight safety.

According to AAI sources, the GIS teams will verify site coordinates and elevation of structures for which NOC applications have been received. Buildings, chimneys, flyovers, tall cranes, billboards, power transmission lines, wind turbines, cellular towers are among structures that require NOCs. These will also be required to undertake survey of unauthorised buildings.