Goa govt objects to circular mandating NoC for construction

The Goa government has strongly objected to the Civil Aviation Ministry's circular, which makes it mandatory for people living within 20 kms of Dabolim airport to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Navy for any kind of construction activity.

Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai Friday said he would take up the issue with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Following the ministry's circular, South Goa District Collector Tariq Thomas had issued an order in November last year making it mandatory to get an NoC from the naval authorities for constructions around Dabolim airport, located inside INS Hansa naval base.

Talking to reporters here, Sardesai said the matter came up for discussion during the Goa Town and Country Planning Board's meeting held on Friday.

"We have received a circular from South Goa Collector saying that 20 kms from the aerodrome anything that is constructed or erected...even a tree planted, should come with an NoC from the naval authorities," Sardesai said.

"I am aghast that this kind of circular can be issued," he said adding that the board has taken a strong objection to the circular, which will affect a major part of Goa.

"South Goa collector has fallen prey to the tactics of the naval authorities and has issued the circular. This is a serious issue," he said.

"We are not going to agree to anything of this sort. I also going to take this up with union civil aviation minister because this is an issue of Goa's identity as a state," the minister said.

"Goa is not a naval enclave. It is not the case that the Portuguese have gone and the Navy has come to Goa," he added.

Sardesai pointed out that in April 2018, the Bombay High Court had cleared height restrictions for Mumbai.

"The height restriction in Mumbai is 300 metres. In Goa, the maximum height is 24 metres. If they are clearing 300 metres in Mumbai, what is the issue in Goa? We are condemning this," he said referring to the circular.

The circular issued by the collector says, "With respect to Dabolim airport (Goa airport) which is a defence airport, it is to be noted that, haphazard development is taking place around it due to the absence of clarity with respect to the colour-coded maps and adherence by local authority or municipality to ensure that restrictions are adhered to."