IAF objects construction activities near RAW''s aviation branch

New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) Expressing concerns over settingup of multi-storey buildings close to the boundary wall of theResearch and Analysis Wing''s aviation branch at IGI airporthere, the Air Force today said it has raised its objectionover the constructions to the government.

"This is a matter of concern to us...We have raisedobjection over this (construction)," Air Chief Marshal P VNaik told reporters here.

He was replying to queries about whether the constructionof hotels next to the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) complexwas a matter of concern for the IAF and whether it has raisedobjection over the issue.

As per the existing rules, no construction activity isallowed within 100 metres of military air bases and technicalareas, IAF officials said.

The under-construction buildings are part of the AeroCity project coming up near the international airport.

The ARC base here houses aircrafts such as IL-76, AN-32and Gulf Stream, which are used for gathering intelligence andcarrying out airborne surveillance missions.

Reacting on the issue, Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju said, "I think all these aspects would be lookedinto by respective station commanders...If there is anythreat, they will bring it to the notice of the appropriateauthorities."

On the possibilities of any wrongdoings in theconstruction activities, he said, "Let us not overreact.

wherever there is defence station and construction is comingaround that vicinity, it can always be contained by invokingWorks of Defence Act, 1903."

Works of Defence Act provides for imposition ofrestrictions upon the use and enjoyment of land in thevicinity of works of defence in order that such land may bekept free from buildings and other obstructions, and fordetermining the amount of compensation to be made on accountof such imposition.

On the induction of the American-origin C-130 J Herculeson Saturday, Naik said the aircraft would be used to transportmen and material and is also capable of carrying out specialoperations.