VASCO: The Navy on Monday clarified its stand on the recent controversial issue of restriction on the construction within 20kms radius of Dabolim Airfield and claimed that the same was erroneously interpreted and reported by some section of media.
In a press release, the Navy PRO clarifies, “A 2015 Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), stipulates that a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) needs to be sought from the Operating Authority of a particular aerodrome prior to any construction within 20 kms from the runway. Since Dabolim is a military/civil dual use airfield, the Navy is the aerodrome operating authority and the requirement of NOC is being pursued only in accordance with MoCA guidelines. The purpose of the NOC is to examine the merit of each case and ensure no construction jeopardises flight safety in the interest of tourists, local population, etc.”
The Navy mentioned that to simplify the NOC process, a simple Colour Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) – which separates sectors/areas in various categories within 20 kms from the runway and the same has been promulgated on October 15. Only the core area around Dabolim Airfield and the approach path of runways would thereafter require NOC.
In other sectors, NOC can be granted by local administration subject to varying height limitations. Only construction above these height limitations would require an NOC from the aerodrome operator. Thus the apprehension that the Navy will require NOCs from areas as far as Dona Paula and Agasaim for small buildings is unfounded, it said.
It clarified that a person does not need to visit Naval premises for NOC purposes since NOC applications are forwarded to the Navy through local administration. Restricted entry into naval areas does not impose any constraints to the applicant.
