Buildings around the Birsa Munda Airport. File picture

Ranchi, Dec. 22: Concerned over aircraft touchdown perils, the district administration has decided to crack down on buildings flouting the vertical limit set for high-rises around Birsa Munda Airport.

In a public notice today, it asked 56 high-rises, found violating the Aircraft Act of 1934, to reduce height. Owners have been given a December 30 deadline. Sources said the administration has asked all buildings to bring down their height to 35ft. In case a building fails to adhere to the guideline, the administration not only plans to demolish the extra floors but also make the owners bear the expenses.

The list of violators is not just long, but also intimidating because it includes several influential leaders and businessmen of the capital. It includes luxury hotels, big business establishments as well as former rural development minister Anosh Ekka the private residence at Hinoo.

While some humble buildings such as Shanti Cloth Store, Kishore Shoe House and Smart Furniture — all situated at Birsa Chowk — may face the demolition drive, a handful of high-rises have been excused for reasons unknown.

Though the airport act is in force for all buildings within a 20km radius, the list issued by the district administration names only those situated in and around Birsa and Hinoo Chowk, which are within a kilometre. Some important buildings named as violators are Hotel Crown Plaza (near Hinoo Chowk), Sri Olex Apartment (Airport Road), New Construction (near Eylex theatre in Hinoo), Eylex and Reliance Fresh buildings among others.

Owners of high-rises are, however, sceptical regarding the order. They claimed that they have valid documents issued by the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) for the construction of the buildings. Some of them even have the permission issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for construction along with the one from the RRDA.

“The district administration and the AAI have defamed my establishment by listing the name of my building, which has been constructed with permission from the RRDA and the AAI,” said Rajesh Soy, owner of Hotel Birsadih at Birsa Chowk. Soy is contemplating to move the court and file a defamation suit against the two establishments.

Earlier, a Union civil aviation ministry circular to the government had stated that the state would be responsible for taking action against constructions that violate the Aircraft Act 1934. The state government then constituted a committee to conduct a survey. The violators were listed after two surveys made by the Birsa Munda Airport authorities, following a notification from the administration.

When contacted, Ranchi deputy commissioner Rajiv Arun Ekka said that the notification pertained to the required height of buildings around the airport and not to the permission of the RRDA or the AAI. “We will have to follow the law,” he added.

Building owners have, meanwhile, pointed out that some AAI constructions near the airport are higher than several buildings listed as violators. “Four of the residential buildings constructed by the AAI is higher than 35ft,” said Ravi Srivatava, owner of Crown Plaza.

Airport director A.V. Krishna could not be contacted.