Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 13: High Court was informed today that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as also the India Air Force (IAF) have taken up the issue of setting up a Simple Approach Light System (SALS) at Srinagar International airport.
The information has been provided to the Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey in a suo-moto cognizance taken by the court.
The Simple Light Approach System will be set up on 300 meters of land which is already available with the authorities as the court had directed the AAI to install the Simple Approach Light System (SALS) for runway-31 as 300 meter land is available within airport boundary wall from threshold and further directed for relocation of runway-31 as its area has been reduced.
Court has also been informed that the survey data of the lower land beyond the boundary wall has been supplied by the DC Budgam to the AAI. Advocate Tahir Shamsi (ASGI) on behalf of the IAF submitted before the court that he has received the information and it has been submitted to AAI and that they would be examining the same.
Court had directed Deputy Commissioner Budgam to submit his survey data with regard to land which is to be used for installation of CAT-I approach lights by Airport Authority of India (AAI) at the airport.
AAI had submitted that the survey data for the lower land beyond boundary wall is yet to be received from DC as such feasibility report for utilizing the land for installation of CAT-I approach lights will be submitted after the surveyed data is received from DC.
He has requested the court that the matter be listed after two weeks so that full details can be made available to the court. State counsel also showed the map of entire area indicating the various heights at different points.
As regards the brick kilns around the airport a list has been prepared and notice has been issued to some of the brick klins which are close to the Airport. It is also indicated that the AAI as also IAF has been requested to submit their observations with regard to brick klins which are affecting the air traffic flow.
Court was informed that some brick kilns are active in funnel area and the smoke emitted from these kilns reduces the visibility and the fact has been brought to the notice of Airport Director, DC Budgam and Divisional commissioner Kashmir to relocate such brick kilns.
In the meantime, adhering to the court’s direction regarding relocation of brick kilns located around the Airport, so that the visibility particularly during the month of October and November could be increased, the Deputy Commissioner Budgam has ordered the close down of kiln activities of 51 brick kiln owners, 34 from Tehsil Chadoora and 17 from Tehsil Budgam. The Director Airport has been asked to indicate the funnel area of the Airport and broad contours of the area around which brick kilns need to be closed.
Meanwhile, it has been ordered that the legal business units which produce dust and smoke shall also take all such measures in relocating their business as this is necessary for their continuation of business activity.
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