BMC fine with roof helipads as long as no rules broken

Mukesh Ambani,Anil Ambani and Oberoi Builders in Goregaon had made separate proposals for such helipads and the government decided to amend Development Control rules by including a Clause 71 for helipad construction.

Several corporators felt such a blanket provision would allow helipads to mushroom on rooftops.

Corporators have objected to helipads proposed on hospital buildings up for emergencies,and on housing societies. Those that have sought permission include the Asian Heart Institute Hospital in Bandra. Corporators raised the issue of the noise disturbing patients; the commissioner said suggestions and objections will be taken from citizens before approving the proposal.

“How will the common man benefit from helipads on their buildings? The government is doing this for rich people who don’t want to spend time negotiating traffic after their choppers land at Andheri airport,” said BJP corporator Manoj Kotak.

Kshatriya replied to 10 such questions and said approval will be given only if a helipad is set up within the rules. He added that following the PIL by Awaz Foundation,the Bombay High Court has set up a committee to prepare guidelines for allowing helipads.

As per the directives of Civil Aviation Ministry and Director General Civil Aviation:

* A helipad can be built on an FSI-free rooftops or on a cantilever structure in open space (front of the rooftop)
* A structural audit of the building will be mandatory to determine its strength
* Firefighting measures are mandatory
* No provision to refuel the chopper; helipad is only for landing and takeoff
* Permission compulsory from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and Environment Department
* The helipad should be at least 4.5 metres above ground
* It cannot break air pollution rules