In the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 270 lives, the Gujarat High Court has advanced the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting serious safety concerns near Surat airport.
The PIL, filed by social activist Vishwas Bamburkar, raises alarms over several multi-storey and allegedly illegal buildings constructed in the vicinity of Surat airport and within the aerodrome zone. Originally scheduled for a July hearing, the case will now be heard urgently on Thursday by a bench led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D N Ray.
Over 140 Buildings Flagged, Emergency Action Underway
Following the Ahmedabad incident, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) issued evacuation notices to residents of more than 141 buildings identified as potentially hazardous. In response, an emergency survey is being carried out by the SMC in coordination with the Surat Collectorate.
Bamburkar’s PIL argues that these tall structures violate aviation safety norms and the Aircraft Act, 1984, and pose serious risks to aircraft operations, passengers, crew, and nearby residents. He contends that these buildings should never have been approved and must be demolished to prevent any future disaster.
Safety vs. Procedural Clearances
While some of the buildings have reportedly received No Objection Certificates (NOCs), the PIL questions how such permissions were granted despite clear safety concerns. Experts point out that in rapidly urbanising cities like Surat, gaps between municipal and aviation regulations often lead to conflicting approvals. Some developers may have taken advantage of outdated surveys, loopholes, or lack of inter-agency coordination to get their projects greenlit.
‘Lives Matter More Than NOCs’
Bamburkar stressed that public safety should take precedence over procedural formalities. Referring to a recent bomb threat at the Gujarat High Court that triggered an immediate evacuation, he said, “This issue impacts over 47,000 lives—it demands even more urgent action.”
The PIL demands not only the demolition of these unsafe structures but also accountability from those involved, including builders and officials, through civil and criminal proceedings.
Authorities Urged to Act Without Delay
The petitioner has urged the SMC and other authorities to act swiftly to avoid another preventable tragedy. The High Court is expected to take up the matter on Thursday with a sense of urgency.