New Delhi: Air Force has raised objection to
construction of some multi-storey buildings, including hotels, near its Palam base here as these are seen as a security risk.
As part of the Aero City project, at least 14 five-star
hotels and other buildings are being constructed near the
Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is too close to the
Aviation Research Centre (ARC) of Research and Analysis Wing
(R&AW), officials said.
"This is a matter of concern to us...We have raised
objection over this (construction)," Air Chief Marshal P V
Naik told reporters here.
He was replying to queries about whether the construction
of hotels next to ARC complex was a matter of concern for the
IAF and whether it has raised objection over the issue.
Naik, however, did not elaborate or specify as to whom
the objections had been conveyed.
As per the rules, no construction activity is allowed
within 100 metres of military air bases and technical areas,
IAF officials said.
The ARC base houses aircrafts such as IL-76, AN-32 and
Gulf Stream, which are used for gathering intelligence and
carrying out airborne surveillance missions.
Asked to comment on the issue, Minister of State for
Defence M M Pallam Raju said, "I think all these aspects would
be looked into by respective station commanders...If there is
any threat, they will bring it to the notice of the
appropriate authorities."
On the possibilities of any wrongdoings in the
construction activities, he said, "Let us not over-react.
Wherever there is a defence station and construction is coming
around that vicinity, it can always be contained by invoking
Works of Defence Act, 1903."
Works of Defence Act provides for imposition of
restrictions upon the use and enjoyment of land in the
vicinity of works of defence in order that such land may be
kept free from buildings and other obstructions, and for
determining the amount of compensation to be made on account
of such imposition.
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which is
constructing the project, did not give any reaction despite
being asked a number of times.
PTI
