The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has taken a significant decision regarding the construction of multi-storey buildings in areas adjacent to Kolkata Airport, following concerns sparked by a recent plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Kolkata Mayor and State Municipal and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim has announced that no permission will be granted for high-rise buildings in these areas until further official notice by aviation or airport authorities.

As per the directive, no multi-storey buildings above G+8 will be permitted adjacent to Kolkata airport. Hakim instructed the DG of the Building Department of Kolkata Municipal Corporation to halt issuing clearances for new multi-storey buildings.

“I have instructed DG Building not to issue clearances for any multi-storey buildings now in Airport areas and adjacent 20 kms.” he said.

However, buildings that have already received permission will not be affected. “Those who have already received permission in Kolkata will not be stopped. However, no new permission will be given outside G+8,” Hakim clarified.

The Minister also directed the Madhyamgram, Bidhannagar, North Dumdum, and South Dumdum Municipalities to follow suit.

“There will be no high-rise buildings within twenty kilometres,” he added. The municipalities have been advised to refrain from granting new permissions for high-rise buildings until further notification.

“We have not yet received any official notification from the Civil Aviation ministry, but I heard there will be some announcement. When the matter comes, we will look into it and take action,” Hakim said, emphasising that necessary action will be taken once the notification is received.