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Height of BKC, Wadala bldgs capped

An Int’l aviation body has imposed restrictions so that there is no interference with radar signals

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Buildings in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Wadala will not get any taller as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations (UN) special agency has in a study on behalf of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), capped the height restrictions in BKC and Wadala citing that it will disturb air traffic signals in the presence of radars.

Both BKC and Wadala fall under the 8-km radius of the airport. The current height limit for buildings ranges from 60-80 meters (18-24 floors) for BKC and up to 130 meters (40 floors) for Wadala. However, the MMRDA has been pushing to increase the height limit and have also been following up with the civil aviation ministry since four years now. BKC and Wadala are both under MMRDA, wherein it is the special planning authority (SPA) for the area.

There are height restrictions as the area falls in the trajectory of the runway and tall buildings could be a hindrance in take-offs and landings. Further, restrictions are imposed so that there is no interference with radar signals.

UPS Madan, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said, “The study has concluded that the height restriction in BKC and Wadala cannot be lifted nor can the height limit be increased. This means that the height of the buildings cannot be more than 130 meters, however, it also depends on each case but not more than 130 meters.”

Madan added, “The radar of the Mumbai airport located at the south end is creating a hurdle. The signalling of air traffic would be impacted in case of height cap increasing at BKC and Wadala.” In 2014, MMRDA had proposed having radar installed at Eastern Freeway in Chembur but the plan was rejected. The civil aviation ministry, in the past, has shot down the plan to relax height limit following which MMRDA had mooted the idea of having a study conducted by ICAO.

While this restriction might affect the new construction in BKC and Wadala, Lodha Group's project in Wadala named 'New Cuffe Parade' may also have to face the brunt. Madan said, “There would be restrictions for giving additional height permission for Lodha's project too, however, if they manage to get no objection certificate (NOC) from AAI, we could allow more height.”

A senior MMRDA official, said, “A similar matter is also with the Bombay High Court wherein few months ago it had directed AAI to demolish 100 buildings coming in its pathway. Hence, in such a scenario it is better to not have any kind of height relaxation for BKC and Wadala.

The proposal of height relaxation is said to be beneficial for MMRDA as it owns large land parcels in BKC and Wadala being the SPA. It owns 34,000 square meters of land parcel in BKC and many land parcels in Wadala.

UNDER THE RADAR

  • Both BKC and Wadala fall under the 8-km radius of the airport. Restrictions are imposed so that there is no interference with radar signals.
     
  • MMRDA has been pushing to increase the height limit and have been following up with the civil aviation ministry since four years
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