AAI survey finds new surge in encroachments at Juhu airport

In 2008,the area under encroachment in the Juhu aerodrome was around 29 acres. Now,preliminary calculations indicate that it could be as high as 41 acres. However,AAI officials said they would be able to arrive at a more accurate figure only after the survey is completed in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile,BMC officials have conducted an inspection of the airport premises and asked the AAI to submit a plan for storm water drainage within the aerodrome. The AAI has tied up with IIT-Bombay to come up with a storm water drainage network to ensure that low-lying areas are not flooded during the monsoon. “The survey is actually being conducted for the storm water drainage network,but we will also get the figures for encroachment,” an AAI official said.

Most of the encroachers have been gaining access because of a breach in the compound wall and airport officials said there have even been a few scuffles with those living in the hutments in the recent months. Airport officials said part of the problem would be solved if airport security is handed over to the CISF. Although CISF security has been sanctioned by the Centre,they are hesitant to take over the airport till some basic infrastructure for the guards,like watch towers and accommodation,are set up.

The Juhu aerodrome,the largest helicopter operations base with a few small aircraft operations as well,has also initiated the process of getting itself a license. A DGCA team is expected to visit the location soon to see if it meets the requisite standards.