Notices issued to buildings affecting secondary runway

CHENNAI: As many as 90 buildings that were built beyond the permissible height and 102 mobile phone towers, poles and trees in Kolapakkam would be removed for disturbing the secondary runway of the Chennai International Airport.

The Chennai airport has two runways, the primary runway that is 3.66 km long while the secondary runway is 2.89 km. The latter runway is used by small aircrafts for take-off and landing. However, official sources said, only 2.11 km of the secondary runway is usable because many buildings have come up in Kolapakkam exceeding the height limit. Recently, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) formed a special team to inspect the area. The team found that 90 buildings were constructed without getting proper approval from the government. Besides them, 102 mobile phone towers, poles, and trees were also disturbing flight operations, said officials.

The AAI then directed the Chennai airport officials to remove them to ensure smooth operation of the secondary runway. Following this, airport officials and Chengalpattu district administration have started issuing notices to buildings. Soon, the encroachments and illegal structures would be removed, said official sources, adding that it would enable the airport to operate more flights.