NAREDCO Urges Government Action on Aviation Constraints Hampering Urban Real Estate

New Delhi / September 11, 2024: The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), an apex real estate body which works under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, has submitted crucial recommendations to the government, aiming to resolve regulatory challenges that hinder real estate development in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. These recommendations were discussed during a recent meeting with a Joint Working Group, which included an Expert Committee led by Fali Major, a statement from NAREDCO said.

G Hari Babu, National President of NAREDCO, highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “The height restrictions imposed by aviation regulations have significantly constrained real estate development in urban areas. Our recommendations are designed to unlock the potential of these cities while maintaining safety standards.”

Among the key points presented were the relocation of certain aviation facilities, such as HF Transmitter (Tx) and Receiver (Rx) stations, outside of main city areas. This would allow for taller buildings in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata without compromising the quality of HF signals. NAREDCO also recommended extending shielding benefits—currently applicable only to natural terrains—to include buildings and other structures, thereby facilitating taller constructions in specific areas, the statement added. 

The council further suggested that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) use more accurate contour data when determining areas eligible for shielding benefits, as the current data has a high margin of error. Additionally, NAREDCO proposed conducting aeronautical studies to resolve legal issues without the immediate need for demolishing existing buildings, offering a more practical and less disruptive solution. Another recommendation focused on making existing regulations more flexible concerning the location of approach surfaces when the runway threshold is displaced due to obstacles.

NAREDCO also reminded the government of two previously accepted recommendations that have yet to be implemented. These include allowing a 0.5-meter vertical height tolerance during construction and redesigning approach and landing procedures to reflect this change. Other important issues discussed included revising how height restrictions are calculated near airports, extending the validity of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) affected by the pandemic, and clarifying new regulations related to aerodrome obstacle surfaces.

G Hari Babu concluded by emphasizing the importance of these changes for the real estate sector, stating, “For real estate to thrive in our cities, it’s crucial that we address these regulatory challenges. We look forward to working closely with the government to implement these changes, ensuring that urban development can continue in a safe and sustainable manner.”

NAREDCO is hopeful that these discussions will lead to a better balance between aviation rules and urban development, allowing cities to grow while keeping safety a top priority.