The civic improvements committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) today rejected a proposal seeking permission to construct private helipads on rooftops in the metropolis. However, its the state government that will take the final call on the issue.
The committee members, cutting across the party lines, today unanimously rejected the bunch of proposals filed by industrialist Mukesh Ambani and builder Vicky Oberoi, citing health, environmental and security issues.
"The proposal is rejected on couple of reasons including noise pollution and other health and environmental hazards and also there is a threat to structural stability. We had concerns about the security aspect of allowing private helipads. Also, are the helipads being set up keeping in mind the affluent people of south Mumbai," Chairman of the Committee and BJP member Bhalchandra Shirsat said.
Congress Corporator Vinod Shekhar said, "If the helipads' proposal is beneficial during rescue operations like in case of 26/11 or while dousing fire in high rises....then we can think of considering it. But all the proposals received are from rich people....so rejecting."
The final decision on the issue will be, however, taken by the state government as the general body of BMC meets after summer vacation.
