Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 14: High Court today directed the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Air Force (IAF) to examine the requirement of land at Srinagar Airport for installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS). Court has also directed Deputy Commissioner Budgam to acquire the identified land, if feasible, and if it is not then alternative steps be taken for providing land for the ILS.
The direction to the authorities has been issued by the Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey when the officials of the AAI and the IAF apprised the Court about the difficulties and requirements for such installation.
Court after hearing these officials as also the representing counsels said at present Srinagar Airport has the ILS facility only on runway. However, there is no approach lighting system to complement the ILS.
Court has been informed that the minimum visibility at present is required as 1300 meter and if approach lighting system is installed on runway, then the minimum required visibility would be 800 meters.
Court said, this would ensure flights to land in Srinagar Airport in winters and this would ease out the cancellation of flights. Court has been informed that the problem for runway is requirement of 900 meters of land and only 300 meters of leveled (smooth) land is available and other 600 meters of land is of lower level.
Court directed the authorities to examine the position of the land by conducting a survey within a period of two weeks. “Deputy Commissioner Budgam to report the court”, reads the judgment.
Court said, if the feasibility report would show that the land is useful for the purpose then Deputy Commissioner Budgam shall take steps for acquisition of the land and if it is not feasible then alternative steps be taken.
Today’s proceedings were the outcome of previous directions in which personal appearance of technical persons of Airport Authority of India (AAI) as also Indian Air Force (IAF) was sought to explain as to whether there is additional requirement of land at Srinagar Airport for installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS).
State Counsel had submitted that a joint survey has already been conducted and land identified and only intent of the AAI is required so that the State proceeds ahead with the acquisition of the additional land.
The issue involved in the instant PIL has been initiated by Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and thereafter the then Chief Justice of the State had directed the issue involved be treated as suo-moto in view of public interest. While taking cognizance of the issue, Justice Magrey noticed that the Airport Authority of India has, prima facie, failed to take notice of hardships and difficulties being regularly faced by the people, who travel to and fro Kashmir by air.
It has also been noticed in the suo-moto proceedings that the said authority has prima facie, failed to take appropriate remedial measures by upgrading the lighting system and installing the required gadgets at Srinagar Airport as such said authority has failed to discharge its public duty.
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