Air India crash: Govt tightens aircraft safety rules; structures violating height limit under lens | India News

NEW DELHI: The ministry of civil aviation on Wednesday released new draft rules to tighten control over structures which pose risk to aircraft safety, in the aftermath of the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad.The draft, titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, will come into force once published in the official gazette.The rules aim to empower authorities for prompt action against buildings and trees which exceed height limits in the designated aerodrome zones. Under the draft, structures found in violation of the prescribed height limits could face a notice by the officer-in-charge of an aerodrome. Owners would be required to submit detailed information, including structure dimensions and site plans, within two months of receiving the notice. Failure to comply could result in demolition or height reduction.For physical verification of structures, officers are empowered to enter the premises during daylight hours after informing the owner. In cases of non-cooperation, they may proceed with the action based on available information and refer the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).If there is non-compliance, the lead officer must report the matter to the district collector, who would then be responsible for ensuring the demolition in accordance with the order. To challenge the order, owners can file appeals with an appellate officer. This is to be done in the prescribed form along with supporting documents and a fee of Rs 1,000. However, only those individuals who comply with the orders are eligible to claim compensation – under section 22 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. Also, non-compliant structures built after the notification would not be eligible for compensation.The civil aviation ministry has invited objections or suggestions from the public within twenty days of the notification’s publication. Responses may be sent to the DGCA, the civil aviation regulator.On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad shortly after take-off from the city’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 on board, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani.